The Minnesota Vikings have parted ways with Leslie Frazier, ending his tenure as Vikings HC after four seasons in charge. Frazier leaves with a 21-32-1 record in Minnesota, a team that regressed this year after a surprising playoff appearance in 2012. While there's no QB to speak of, the Vikings certainly have pieces the next coach can build around, and with less turmoil and turnover than other franchises (we're looking at you, Cleveland and Washington), the Minnesota job will be one of the more alluring positions on the market. Based on the word coming out of Minnesota, these are the top five candidates to step in as the next Vikings head coach:
5. Lovie Smith, former Chicago Bears Head Coach
Lovie Smith is getting looks from nearly every team searching for their next head coach. While Smith is definitely on Minnesota's radar, it's hard to see him choosing the Vikings over a team in a better position to compete right away (the Lions probably have the most to offer Smith, with the Texans second and Minnesota and Tampa trailing. Tampa is seen as the most likely landing spot for Smith, though, thanks to his previous tenure there (six years back in the late 90's). If Detroit, Tampa and Houston all look elsewhere, Smith becomes a contender.
4. Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator
Gruden is one of the names being mentioned in conjunction with several open head coaching jobs, and the Vikings are giving him a serious look. While Gruden is definitely in play for the Redskins job, it's still unclear how serious Minnesota is about him as a candidate - it sounds like some members of the front office are very interested, but others aren't sold on Gruden just yet.
3. Ken Whisenhunt, San Diego Chargers Offensive Coordinator
Whisenhunt is another name getting thrown around by a number of teams, and the Vikings might get lost in the crowd unless they move quickly. Whisenhunt is well-respected around the league for taking the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, but he's no longer seen as the mastermind he once was. With Wisenhunt's stock fairly low at the moment, the Vikings have the chance to snag an experienced coach who could turn out to be quite a bargain.
2. Adam Gase, Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator
Gase is quickly establishing himself as this year's Josh McDaniels - a young, dynamic coordinator getting a ton of hype despite comparatively little experience at the highest level. Gase has been the Broncos' OC for less than a year, but can already claim to have run the most high-scoring offense in NFL history. While he won't have Peyton Manning to work with in Minnesota, there are plenty of people in the Vikings organization curious to see what Gase could do if given the reins to the franchise.
1. Jack Del Rio, Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator
Del Rio is also on Minnesota's radar, as confirmed by Adam Schefter early on Monday. The former Vikings linebacker found little success with Jacksonville in his last stint as a head coach, but he's ready to return to the position if he's offered an NFL job. The Vikings would love to get someone who can help bolster their shaky defensive unit, and Del Rio's defensive expertise makes him a good match. Del Rio is available, realistic and fits Minnesota's needs in a positive way. Stay tuned.
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