Leslie's Out

The Bengals' defense improved from 2003 to 2004 but apparently not enough to save defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's job.

Frazier, whose two-year contract had expired, was not offered a new deal, the club announced Wednesday. The decision had been made by as early as Tuesday, following a Monday night meeting involving Frazier and coach Marvin Lewis at Paul Brown Stadium.

Look, Marvin can hire or fire whomever he wants. But the Marvin/Frazier marriage NEVER made sense. Frazier is a protege if Jim Johnson in Philly, whose attacking, blitzing defenses are legendary. Marvin, on the other hand, is a conservative, fundamental, keep the offense in front of you type of defensive mind.

Frazier is a good coach. But this was never going to work.