By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Bills defense has dominate in 2019, and has lead the team to any of the successes it’s had under head coach Sean McDermott.
Could defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier reap the benefits of that? ESPN said it’s possible.
ESPN named 13 NFL assistants that could be considered for future openings, such as the currently vacant Redskins gig. Frazier was tabbed as one of the 13.
Here’s what the outlet thinks Frazier brings to the table:
The 4-1 Bills are one of the big surprises of the early season, but their defensive performance shouldn’t be shocking. Buffalo has the league’s fifth-best defense by yards per game allowed (317.9) and third-best defense by yards per play allowed (5.0) since Frazier became defensive coordinator in 2017. Since the start of the 2018 season, Buffalo ranks first (289.6 YPG) and second (4.8 YPP) in those categories.
Frazier was head coach of the Vikings from 2011 to 2013 and interviewed for the Colts’ job in 2018 after McDaniels bailed and before it went to Reich. Sure, coach Sean McDermott has a defensive background and obviously a major role in Buffalo’s defense, but if all those Sean McVay offensive assistants can get jobs, why not McDermott’s top defensive lieutenant?
Of course, the defense is McDermott’s baby. But Frazier does his part and that could rise him to the ranks of a head coach once again. With the Vikings, he put together a 21-32-1 overall record and was 0-1 in the playoffs.
Frazier certainly would be a loss for the Bills if he moved on, but the team would support his efforts. When first hired by the Bills, Frazier was viewed as a coach who could provide a “veteran” presence to McDermott. As mentioned, Frazier had experience as a head coach. McDermott was a first-time hire. In that regard, McDermott is now a seasoned bench boss himself, so considering that, it would lighten the blow of losing Frazier, if that were to happen.