After Dan Quinn was hired as head coach of the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys were forced to make significant changes to their defense.
Jerry Jones’ decision to bring back former Cowboys defensive coordinator and ex-Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer seemed like a win for the team. However, recent comments from an interview with Zimmer shed light on his harsh leadership style.
In a candid interview with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Zimmer criticized several former Vikings players and executives. Among the harshest remarks were directed at cornerback Kris Boyd and former general manager Rick Spielman.
Zimmer’s most pointed statement came after his firing, when he refused to speak with any of his Vikings players, blaming their poor performance for his dismissal.
While competitive coaching is normal, Zimmer’s combative attitude persisted even after he left the organization.
One notable incident was Zimmer’s frustration with the selection of quarterback Kellen Mond. His anger reportedly led him to leave the draft room, and he claimed he never spoke to Mond during their time in Minnesota. This raises concerns about whether Zimmer’s approach could cause issues in Dallas.
Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer Sparks Controversy with Comments About Vikings Players
Zimmer is undeniably a skilled coach. He spent 12 years coaching the Cowboys, including a successful stint guiding the defensive backs during the team’s dominance in the 1990s. He also had a respectable run as the head coach of the Vikings.
During his tenure in Minnesota, Zimmer compiled a 72-56-1 record, reached the playoffs three times, and consistently led the team to at least seven wins each season.
However, in today’s NFL, where building strong relationships with players is critical, Zimmer’s old-school, tough coaching style may alienate some of the league’s star athletes.
After his departure from Minnesota, Zimmer wasn’t immediately pursued by other NFL teams, despite his defensive acumen. Instead, he spent two seasons as a consultant for Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Colorado. This raises the question: has the NFL, outside of Dallas, moved on from Zimmer?
The Cowboys are banking on Zimmer’s no-nonsense approach to succeed in 2024, with Jones relying on him, one of his most trusted defensive coordinators.
Whether Zimmer’s influence leads to a fractured locker room or a battle-hardened squad led by stars like Micah Parsons remains to be seen. The outcome will either prove Zimmer’s methods right or expose their limitations.
