After serving as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals, Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, revealed to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that he hopes to rejoin the coaching staff in 2024. After being relieved of his head coaching responsibilities in 2021, Zimmer left the NFL, but he might be open to serving as a defensive coordinator the following season.
In his tenure as the Vikings’ head coach, Zimmer went 72-56-1. Before his stint in Minnesota, he was the defensive coordinator for the Bengals in 2009 and the winner of the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2009 while coaching the Cowboys’ defensive backs. When playing for the Vikings, Zimmer’s defenses were praised mainly for their ability to force interceptions and stop touchdowns on the ground.
Zimmer claims that he is now researching new analytics and watching league-wide film in order to maintain quality control. “The biggest thing right now is I love to teach,” Zimmer said to Pelissero in response to a question about his desire to rejoin the NFL. I adore being a coach.
If the Green Bay Packers decide to fire Joe Barry, you can go ahead and add Zimmer to the list of possible defensive coordinator hires. Previously, as the 2023 regular season draws to a close, Acme Packing Company compiled a list of the 17 prospects who interviewed with teams last offseason as defensive coordinators but are still serving as assistant coaches. Zimmer seems to be the best option on that list for a team in need of a coordinator.
