Vikings lock up Frazier through 2014

After orchestrating one of the largest turnarounds of this past season, Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier had his contract option for the 2014 campaign exercised by the organization on Wednesday.

After going just 3-13 in his first full year at the helm, Frazier -- with help from a near-historic performance from eventual league MVP Adrian Peterson -- guided the Vikings to a 10-6 record and a surprise berth in the NFC Playoffs in 2012. The seven-win improvement was the largest over a one-year span in franchise history.

For those efforts, Frazier tied for third in balloting for the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

"Coach Frazier has done a remarkable job in building a strong foundation for the Minnesota Vikings and creating a very positive future," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "We value his leadership and look forward to working with him for many years to come."

Frazier has been with the Vikings since 2007 and took over as interim head coach after the team fired Brad Childress with six games remaining in the 2010 season. He was named Minnesota's permanent head coach after producing a 3-3 record that year.

The 53-year-old has compiled a 16-22 overall mark during his tenure as the Vikings' sideline boss.