In a move that was long expected, the Buccaneers have decided not to exercise the 2016 option on defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier’s contract, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter links). The Bucs will also not pick up the options on defensive backs coaches Gil Byrd or Mikal Smith. 
Frazier, 56, got his first defensive coordinator job with the Bengals in 2003. After moving around a bit, he landed as the Vikings’ DC in 2007 and eventually ascended to head coach from 2011-2013.. Frazier joined coach Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay in 2014 and he is now following him out the door in 2016. On Wednesday night, the Buccaneers informed Smith that he was being dismissed. The Buccaneers’ head coaching search is now in full swing, though reports are indicating that offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is the heavy favorite to take over.
As a head coach in the NFL, Frasier owns a career 21-32-1 record across his three-and-a-half seasons with Minnesota. It may take some time before he gets consideration for another NFL defensive coordinator job.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.