Mike Zimmer is returning home. The former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who began his NFL coaching career with the Cowboys 13 years ago, is set to join the Dallas Cowboys as their next defensive coordinator, per NFL Network. According to a Cowboys source, no agreement has been made. However, discussions are still ongoing. However, owner Jerry Jones announced at NFL Honors on Thursday that he has been in talks with Zimmer, his “future” defensive coach, and intends to conclude a deal with him.
Five applicants were interviewed, including Zimmer, to succeed Dan Quinn, who joined the Washington Commanders. The others were Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde, New York Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, and former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. After leading the Vikings from 2014 to 2021, Zimmer took a two-year hiatus from coaching. However, his formidable defenses have long been recognized.
The 67-year-old spent seven seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys after beginning his career in Dallas in 1994 as an assistant. 2006 was his last year, as well as head coach Bill Parcells’ last year. Before taking over as head coach of the Vikings, he spent the 2007 season managing the defense of the Atlanta Falcons. From 2008 to 2013, he coordinated the Cincinnati Bengals. With a 72-56-1 career record in Minnesota, Zimmer was let go. During his tenure as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he faced off against Mike McCarthy, the coach of the Cowboys, five times.
Now that McCarthy is in his final season of a contract, he is back where it all started—at homecoming with the Cowboys. This season will either make or break McCarthy.
