MINNEAPOLIS – The Vikings announced Monday via social media that Leslie Frazier will not return in 2014 as head coach.
Frazier assumed the head coaching position in 2010 after Brad Childress was fired. He compiled a 20-33-1 record since, including a 10-6 record in 2012 that ended with a playoff loss in Green Bay.
The Vikings finished 5-10-1 this season as they closed out the Metrodome era.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said later Monday that “Change was needed for our organization to take a step forward. Leslie is a great man. He did a great job here. He was respected in this building, and that’s what makes this so difficult.”
Spielman said the search for a new coach will start right away.
“Our number one goal is to start the search (for a new coach) immediately. I would like to have a new head coach by the Senior Bowl.”
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf added that “Leslie Frazier is a true professional and a very giving person. We felt a change was needed.”
Speculation had been swirling for days that Frazier would be fired, and the topic was openly discussed by commentators during the Vikings 14-13 win Sunday against Detroit.