Leslie Frazier drops an ominous hint about his NFL future
It’s not known what the immediate future holds for former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
But all signs are pointing to the 64-year-old assistant not returning to the organization if he does return to coaching in 2024. Yes, that’s "if," not "when." While Bills general manager Brandon Beane stated in February that Frazier isn’t thinking about retirement after stepping back from the team in 2023, Frazier himself, is telling a different story.
“In the fall, I will really begin to take a look at what’s happening around the league, make sure I stay up on any new trends, anything that’s changing,” Frazier told SI.com’s Albert Breer. “And, hopefully, an owner will give me a chance to talk to him about an opportunity. If that doesn’t happen, I’m good. I’ve had a good career. I’m good. My goal is to be a head coach. I know I don’t have much time left, I’m at an age [64] where it seems like owners are going younger and younger, but I think I have some things I can bring to the table. We’ll see what happens.”
Frazier recently attended the NFL’s coach accelerator program — a platform designed to “increase exposure between owners, executives, and diverse coaching talent, providing ample opportunity to develop and build upon their relationships — and the Bills were not listed as his team affiliation.
The longtime defensive coordinator has not been shy about his desire to be an NFL head coach again after his first go-around with the Minnesota Vikings didn’t pan out. He posted a 21-32-1 record in parts of four seasons. Minnesota made one playoff appearance in that space while finishing in last place in the NFC North three-of-four years.
Frazier disclosed that he is using his newfound free time to live life on his terms, doing activities that he had not had time for given that his 30-plus year coaching career had taken up much of his time and attention.
While most expected Frazier to return to the sidelines next season — with the Bills or another team needing a strong defensive mind on its staff — he seems to be at peace if Buffalo’s 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2022 playoffs was his last game coached.
“I really feel good about where I am,” Frazier said. “I think my reasons for stepping away were the right reasons; I feel good about it. It just gives me a chance to see things from a different perspective, get recharged again and reenergized. I’m going to go watch some teams in their OTAs, will probably do the same thing again in training camp, go visit some clubs as well.”
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