The Los Angeles Chargers will soon conduct an interview with Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh as the team looks to find a replacement for the recently fired Brandon Staley.
While Harbaugh will take over the headlines in Southern California later this week, the Chargers announced on Sunday that they have completed an interview with veteran NFL coach Leslie Frazier.
Frazier, 64, might not be the sexiest name for Chargers fans. But his experience is something that could prove to be vital if that is the direction the organization decides to go in. While unlikely, it does make sense to an extent after the failure of an inexperienced head coach in Staley.
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Leslie Frazier’s Candidacy Adds Experience To Los Angeles Chargers’ Mix
Frazier served as the Minnesota Vikings‘ head coach from 2010-13, posting a combined 21-32-1 record with one playoff appearance. That is his only experience as an NFL head coach. It did not go swimmingly.
What we do know is that he has loads of experience as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 2003-04
- Minnesota Vikings: 2007-09
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2014-15
- Buffalo Bills: 2017-22
Frazier has led nine top-10 defenses throughout his career. As you already know, that side of the ball struggled big time for the Chargers under another defensive-minded coach in Staley.
It still seems highly unlikely that the Chargers will hire Frazier.
Here is a look at who the Chargers have already interviewed for their head coaching vacancy, courtesy of the team’s official website.
- Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator
- Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
- Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator
- Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
- Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator
- Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator
- Giff Smith, Los Angeles Chargers interim head coach
It seems as if the Chargers interviewing Moore and Smith was more out of respect. Based on these already-conducted interviews, Los Angeles’ brass seems to be focusing on defense.
Of course, that all changes if the Harbaugh marriage becomes something both sides view as doable.