Leslie Frazier

Although he paid homage to his fired predecessor, new Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Monday was a day of "celebration" for the team as it embraces an opportunity for a second-half renaissance following a dismal 3-7 start.

Who is Leslie Frazier?He has been the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings since taking over for the departed Mike Tomlin in 2007.

Since that time, Frazier’s Vikings defense team ranks 3rd in NFL with 131.0 sacks. Including being first in 2009 with 48.0.

In 2008 the defense was ranked 6th overall and followed that up by being ranked 6th again in 2009.

In the hours leading up to Frazier's news conference, we heard any number of people suggest that Frazier needed to make the bold -- i.e., stupid but compelling -- decision to bench quarterback Brett Favre and give backup Tarvaris Jackson a chance to energize the 3-7 team.