Thaindian News

November 23, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): Leslie Frazier, who had played defensive back at Alcorn State (AS) from 1977 to 1980, became a historic figure on Monday as he became not the only initial AS graduate to be employed as a NFL head coach, but also the primary SWAC graduate to attain this feat. Frazier was selected as the provisional head coach of the Minnesota Vikings (MV) subsequent to the dismissal on Monday of MV’s former chief coach, Brad Childress, which followed the pounding of MVs by the Green Bay Packers by the score of 31-3. Frazier was the MVs’ defensive manager for the past four seasons.

Frazier had procured All-SWAC honors in his junior as well as senior years at the Alcorn State and subsequently competed in concert with the Chicago Bears in the NFL, acquiring a Super Bowl ring with the squad subsequent to the 1985 season. Marino Casem, the illustrious former chief coach of the AS, who schooled Frazier during his stint at Lorman, was ecstatic to hear about his former trainee’s promotion to the post of MVs’ head coach.

Casem released a downpour of accolades for Frazier stating that Frazier was a determined individual, who will never be outworked or inadequately prepared for a match. He possesses the attitude of a conqueror and would win the hearts of his trainees. Frazier has had to struggle to achieve success in his life and his sternness, united with his amicableness, would guarantee an effective performance from him at the MVs. Casem also remarked that Frazier’s dedication to work ethics was commendable and that he is an imperturbable personality.

Frazier, who directed the SWAC in interceptions during his junior year at the AS, procured his conference first team honors that season. He is, at present, in the SWAC Hall of Fame.

The MVs’ proprietor, Zygi Wilf, has articulated that Frazier is a sportsperson with an ocean of knowledgeability about the game and is also an experienced trainer. Wilf has stated that Frazier is enormously respected by the MVs’ players and has an excellent reputation within the MVs’ organizational structure.

Frazier hails from the Tony Dungy model of coaches, who possesses a calm and thoughtful style of leadership. He has an open door strategy that his protégés will admire and respect. Numerous MVs had skirmished against Childress in the last four years, which could change now as Frazier is recognized as a players’ coach. This might tranquilize the explosive locker room and diminish the disaffection there. Frazier’s calmness and astuteness is badly needed as the Vikings are in a disorganized condition. In spite of a register that transported 10 players to the Pro Bowl in 2009, the team is rotting during a disordered season burdened by off-the-field disgraces and on-the-field disappointments.