The NFL coach could return to the Dallas Cowboys as their new defensive coordinator. Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is reportedly interested in returning to Dallas. This is a possibility as he has ties to the Cowboys and has history with Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy. Mike Zimmer rumors are growing, but he spent a total of 13 seasons in Dallas before taking over the Vikings.
But just because the tie broke 17 years ago doesn't mean it's over. Dallas was finally able to reunite with Zimmer after Dan Quinn decided to take the head coaching job with the Washington Commanders. Interviews with Ron Rivera are also scheduled for next week as McCarthy searches for a defensive coordinator vacancy. They also still have their eye on Joe Whitt, which makes all of these candidates interesting for Dallas.
Rivera is a veteran who has proven he can do his job, but so is Zimmer. If Dallas wants to take longer than usual to find a candidate, he could do that. Jerry Jones said he wants to “do everything we can” to prepare for next season. They could go all-in on Zimmer, who spent eight seasons with Minnesota and won 56 percent of his games.
Although he won't have an NFL job during the 2023 season, teaming up with Mike McCarthy would be a logical choice. So the Mike Zimmer rumors are true and he's another option for the Cowboys to consider.
Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer reportedly wants to return to the Dallas Cowboys and become a DC. pic.twitter.com/pMUy0HH88f
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 2, 2024
Mike Zimmer rumors: Could return to Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator
If he comes, history may repeat itself.
Zimmer's history with the Cowboys is well known, as he was on the coaching staff for the franchise's last Super Bowl in 1995. But he was only a defensive backs coach at the time. He quickly distinguished himself and was promoted to defensive coordinator. Even when Bill Parcells took over in 2003, Zimmer remained DC.
With the Minnesota Vikings, he helped them reach the playoffs three times and reached the NFC Championship Game in 2017. Although the Vikings lost that game to the Philadelphia Eagles, the season showed his potential. But history is just history, as the NFL changes and grows every year. The Cowboys have had a bad history lately, but they could turn things around with Jimmer under the gun.
The way Dallas was able to reach the promised land in 1995 with Zimmer as a member of the staff can only be repeated. McCarthy has one year left on his head coaching contract, so if the Mike Zimmer rumors are true, he could be the head coach. That may be a realistic possibility, but they may wait until after next season to consider other candidates like Bill Belichick. Replacing Dan Quinn won't be an easy task, but Dallas could set the bar high.
Dallas has all the talent, making this job an attractive one, especially for Zimmer, who could return to the NFL soon.
It's not all loss for the Cowboys.
Losing Dan Quinn was probably a big loss for the Cowboys. But it's not all a loss as Dallas has plenty of options to play with. They're keeping an eye on Rivera and Whit, but more candidates could emerge as favorites in the future. It's shaping up to be an exciting time for Cowboys fans as they speculate on who the Cowboys will hire as their next defensive coordinator.
