The Buffalo Bills will need a new defensive coordinator for the 2023 NFL season. The team announced on Tuesday that their longtime DC, Leslie Frazier, decided to take a break from coaching.
According to the Bills’ announcement, Frazier will step away from the game for one year but intends to return to coaching in 2024.
Since Fraizer got the defensive coordinator job in 2017, the Bills consistently ranked as one of the best defenses in the game. During his time at the helm, Buffalo allowed the least total yards per game (315) and passing yards per game (202) compared to the rest of the league, while 20 points per game allowed ranked third best in that time span.
Leslie Frazier has an impressive coaching resume in the league, having held the defensive coordinator positions with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before landing with the Bills. Frazier was also the Vikings’ head coach from 2010 to 2013, compiling a 21-32-1 record and making the playoffs in 2012.
With Frazier out, the Bills are now expected to start an extensive search for his replacement. While head coach Sean McDermott is likely to talk with some outside candidates, most believe that he already has his new defensive coordinator in the building. The defensive line coach Eric Washington and new senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb are believed to be among the favorites for the position.
