How Safe Are Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier?

[ProudHorn]

It's been reported that 2012 is that last guaranteed year remaining on Frazier's contract, with an option for 2013. And it's the same situation for Spielman. So, what kind of success does this team need to achieve for these guys to keep their job? Or doesn't it matter?

Personally, barring a 2009-esque season, I don't see any reasonable amount of improvement enough for Spielman and Frazier to remain in Minnesota. I can't help but think that the only reason that Rick Spielman was "promoted" to General Manager and Leslie Frazier was kept as Head Coach was a money saving tactic by Zygi Wilf, with the stadium effort still in limbo. Why spend big money on a big time front office executive and more money and a long contract on a new head coach, if you might be moving in a year, not to mention, which top level candidates would come to Minnesota with the possibility of having to move and uproot your family once again.

So even if the Vikings finish the 2012 season 6-10 to 8-8, a mark that most fans would consider a successful year, I see the Vikings finding new leadership going into 2013.

Thought?
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[vikings209]

I think Spielman is safer than Frazier. Especially after that draft we had which Spielman has gotten high praise for. If we could get one or two of the players we signed to step up and contribute right away we can be a competitive team this year, maybe not a winning team but at very competitive. If Frazier shows that he has us moving in the right direction I think that the Wilfs will pick up his option and give him another"show me year" to see if he complete the rebuilding process next year.
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[[UMN]]

If we go 6 wins or less (90% chance we will), Frazier is gone, and Spielman will be given free reign to pick his new coach.

[El Raymundo]

I have nothing to base this statement on other than sniffing glue in my basement, but it seems to me that the Wilfs would like to build a franchise modeled after the Giants and Steelers. Neither of those franchises, especially the Steelers, is a "churn" organization. Look at Bill Cowher: the front office stuck with him through a lot of thin before the thick and they were rewarded for it. While Zygi has given two coaches their walking papers in the short time he's owned the team, it bears keeping in mind that one was let go after presiding over a hugely embarrassing incident (the Love Boat) and the second was let go when he clearly lost both control of the locker room and his marbles. Neither, to me, strikes me as "churn" types of moves. I think as long as Frazier and Spielman continue to behave with integrity and professionalism, that both will be given adequate chance to build and manage the team. Zygi just doesn't strike me as a man with a quick trigger finger in terms of the front office of his football team - unless he is embarrassed.
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"Live as brave men; and if Fortune is adverse, front its blows with brave hearts." -- Cicero

[vikingsrule]

Spielman is 100% safe after this year, what would the purpose of hiring him as the GM for one season and then cutting your losses. If Wilf had any reservations about Spielman, he wouldnt have promoted him to GM. So Spielman isnt going anywhere.

If the team is picking top 10 again, Frazier should be considered as good as gone. Spielman will then get to hand pick his own coaches and hopefully implement the necessary scheme changes to get this team turned around. Though I would like to keep Musgrave, I think his offense works for today's NFL. He just needs a QB to drive it.

[PrplChilPill]

El Ray has a great point....frankly, if it was me, Frazier would already be gone. I'm not a fan at all.....but I'm not the Wilfs.

Spielman is 100% safe, imo. Frazier has to win at least 5 games, I think, to survive. But, El Ray may be right, if Spielman has Frazier's back, I think he's safe barring a complete collapse. If Spielman wants a different coach, and they are like last year, I think Frazier's gone, though.
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Wins are a team stat, not a QB stat

[vikingsrule]

[Kellerman]

Frazier did build a legit top-5 defense when he was the coordinator. The guy can obviously coach. I haven't lost all faith yet in Leslie, but this year is make or break for him.
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sig by Jamison
#97 Everson Griffin: 0 tackles : 0 sacks : 0 FF

[vikingsrule]

[SteelKing728]

I think Spielman has more room than Frazier.

Its hard to say. I wouldn't be happy with just an 8-8 record (even though thats what I'm prediciting), I see that as a successful year for us, considering all the trouble we have gone through the past 2 seasons.

8-8 or better, Frazier keeps his job.
6-10 to 7-9, Spielman thinks hard over it.
5-11 or worse, Frazier is canned.

The pressure is on!
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Thanks Jamison on that avi.

2013 Adopt a Minnesota Viking - Jared Allen - DE - #69

[HighHopes]

I think Frazier is on a similar path as Ponder. I dont think they have these set wins type things. But they have to prove they are improving. If we only win 5 games, but we have another 5 games that were very competitive and just lost to good play, I dont see why he should be canned.
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XBL/PSN: Chainedsniper

[milanb]

[vikingsrule]

[PrplChilPill]

The question wasn't in our opinion though, right? It was what do we think the organization will do.....

I'd fire Frazier right now, but that's not going to happen. I'd let Spielman know that I thought his decisions were awful in most drafts, and that if things don't get better, he's gone. But then, I'm pretty big on accountability for performance. Neither Frazier nor Spielman have shown that they are really good at their jobs. Frankly, Frazier so far has shown to be an awful head coach, strategically, tactically, and long term thinking wise. I'm not sure how he still has a job.
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Wins are a team stat, not a QB stat

[milanb]