Zimmer, Spielman Fired

The Minnesota Vikings are moving in a new direction. That much is becoming official this morning as the Wilf family and others invested in the organization have fired general manager, Rick Spielman and head coach, Mike Zimmer.

First reported by Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), the Vikings are on a hunt for new leadership. For what it’s worth, the tweet regarding Spielman’s firing came first.

The #Vikings fired GM Rick Spielman, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

The #Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

Mike Zimmer lead the Minnesota Vikings for EIGHT seasons and finished with a record of 72-56-1. He holds the 3rd most wins as a head coach in franchise history and the 3rd best winning percentage (.562). He trails just Bud Grant and Dennis Green in both category.

Goodbye Rick Spielman

The firing of Rick Spielman was a bit more surprising, given it was reported on Friday that he would be kept on and possibly reassigned within the organization. The Wilfs have built a lot of trust up in him over the 15+ years he’s been with them and cutting him loose is an unexpected development. Even Rick Spielman himself felt “blindsided”, according to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune).

But everything has an expiration date and it was time for the Minnesota Vikings to start on a new path. Hopefully this one will take us to the Super Bowl promise land we’ve been waiting 50 years for.

More from our breaking news segment on major changes in Minnesota, as the #Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman this morning. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/EAftxyzAEY

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan