If the Buffalo Bills do indeed step up in a big way in 2020, defensive coordinator, assistant head coach and former Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier will step back into the head coaching ranks in 2021.
The first part of this prediction is expected. Or at least it should be, despite oddsmakers sticking with New England to win the AFC East without Tom Brady and six players who opted out of the season because of COVID-19.
The Bills, who last year posted 10 victories for the first time this millennium, are better offensively with Stefon Diggs. They are better defensively with more pass rushers in Mario Addison and rookie A.J. Epenesa. And, oh yeah, they don't have to play Brady, who went 32-3 against a Bills team that hasn't won the AFC East since 1995.
The second part of this prediction is aided by three factors:
1. Frazier may work for a defensive-minded coach in Sean McDermott, but Frazier calls the defense on game day and has a significant role in shaping the game plan.
McDermott rewarded Frazier this offseason by adding assistant head coach to his title.
"His fingerprints are all over our operation, and I'm extremely grateful for all the years we have worked together," said McDermott, who was hired in 2017. "Leslie's impact on our team is felt every day through his guidance, wisdom and his genuine care for people. He is a great example to everyone within our organization."
2. Frazier's defense ranked No. 2 in points allowed last year. At 16.2 points per game, it was the fewest points allowed by a Bills team since 1999.