Former Vikings HC Mike Zimmer Unemployed Again

Mike Zimmer
Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The talk of this season has been regarding the eventual extension of Kevin O’Connell. The Minnesota Vikings never seriously were going to let him get away, and they got the deal done.

Before the regular season kicked off former head coach Mike Zimmer went scorched earth on the Vikings. He came across like a grumpy old man but found a job anyways. It just didn’t last very long.

Dallas Cowboys move on from former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer

After a disappointing season Jerry Jones decided he’d had enough of head coach Mike McCarthy. The Dallas Cowboys promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as his replacement, but the rest staff isn’t staying intact.

Zimmer lasted just a single season as the Cowboys defensive coordinator. Dallas was 28th in yards allowed per game this season, and they were 29th against the rush. Only the Carolina Panthers gave up more points per game than the Cowboys.

Of course it wasn’t easy for Dallas to compete after getting just eight games from starting quarterback Dak Prescott. Still though, Zimmer wasn’t capable of constructing a unit that earned him enough praise, and now he may retire.

Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Zimmer finished his eight year tenure as head coach of the Vikings with a 72-56 record. He coached for a total of 23 seasons and spent 15 of those as a defensive coordinator. After a two-year hiatus, Zimmer returned to Dallas for the first time since 2006.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

Even had he not offered the sentiment that the plan is to retire, it’s unlikely the 68-year-old would have had any other suitors. His brash personality has made him tough to work with, and waning coaching abilities weren’t going to open doors.

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