Colts Rumors: Leslie Frazier Considered for Head Coach; Jim Irsay a 'Big Fan'

The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly made a request to interview Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for their vacant head-coaching position. 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network provided the update Thursday and noted Colts owner Jim Irsay is a "big fan" of the former Minnesota Vikings head coach.

Frazier spent four seasons as the Vikings' coach starting in an interim role for six games in 2010. He went 21-32-1 during his tenure, which included two losing seasons and one playoff berth during his three full seasons in charge.

The 58-year-old Mississippi native has since served as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15) and Buffalo Bills (2017) but found little success. He previously filled that role for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003-04 and with the Vikings for three years before being promoted.

Tampa finished 25th and 26th in points allowed under his guidance, while Buffalo ranked 18th in that category this past season.

The Colts' search for a new head coach has just restarted after the organization was snubbed by New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels earlier this week.

Changing course to go for a defensive-minded coach would be understandable given the team's struggles on that side of the ball since the Peyton Manning era. But finding one with more consistent success would be ideal despite Irsay's respect for Frazier.

In 12 years as either a defensive coordinator or head coach, his defenses have only ranked in the top 10 in points allowed once.