Cowboys Strategic Move: Hires Vikings Mike Zimmer As DC To Replace Dan Quinn

After Dan Quinn resigned to become the head coach of the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys took the initiative to hire a new defensive coordinator. There have been rumours that Mike Zimmer will be employed.

Cowboys Strategic Move: Hires Vikings Mike Zimmer As DC To Replace Dan Quinn

Given that Zimmer spent 13 seasons as a coach in Dallas, the Cowboys front staff is acquiring someone with whom they are extremely comfortable in that move. He had some success as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings during his final NFL tenure, but he was never able to make it to the big game.

In the NFL, Zimmer has also seen great success as a defensive coordinator. However, he recently returned from a two-year ban from the league following his dismissal from the Vikings. Can he still get  it done, and how will his scheme and tendencies fit with the Cowboys’ current personnel on that side of the ball?

After leaving Minnesota, Zimmer coached the Vikings for eight seasons, from 2014 to 21. Since then, he has not been involved in the NFL. Quinn’s hiring as head coach of the Commanders created an opening for Zimmer to locate the ideal job with Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys.

What you need to know about Zimmer’s decision to become the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator is provided here.

Along with former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, Zimmer was among the well-known interviewees.

Long renowned for his ability to manage tough defenses and his gritty style of coaching, Zimmer should fit in well as Dan Quinn’s replacement. Quinn led a top-five scoring defense in Dallas for three seasons before moving on to become the head coach of the Commanders.

After an 8–9 season, Zimmer was let go with a 72–56-1 career record.

Of those years, he coached against one of his current employers, Green Bay Packers’ Mike McCarthy, in Minnesota for five of those years. While both players competed for the NFC North and won the division twice, Zimmer has the edge with a 5-4-1 head-to-head record during that span.

Mike Zimmer coaching record

Season Team Record Result
2014 Vikings 7-9 Missed playoffs
2015 Vikings 11-5 Lost wild-card round
2016 Vikings 8-8 Missed playoffs
2017 Vikings 13-3 Lost NFC championship
2018 Vikings 8-7-1 Missed playoffs
2019 Vikings 10-6 Lost divisional round
2020 Vikings 7-9 Missed playoffs
2021 Vikings 8-9 Missed playoffs
Total 72-56-1

Not only does Zimmer have greater experience, but he has outperformed most defensive coordinators in stopping Shanahan-style attacks. Given the difficulties the Cowboys have faced over the years with Kyle Shanahan’s own 49ers offense, Zimmer’s knowledge in that area might be crucial if more play-callers from the Shanahan branch join the league.

What is Mike Zimmer’s record?

After joining the team in 2014, he helped the Vikings win 72 games out of 56 in eight seasons. After Bud Grant and Denny Green, his victory % is the third-best in Vikings history. In Zimmer’s final two seasons as coach, the club never finished above.500.

Is Mike Zimmer a good defensive coach?

Long renowned for his ability to manage tough defenses and his gritty style of coaching, Zimmer should fit in well as Dan Quinn’s replacement. Quinn led a top-five scoring defense in Dallas for three seasons before moving on to become the head coach of the Commanders.

What type of defense does Mike Zimmer run?

Behind his inventive fake pressure looks, Zimmer loves to run press man coverage because it makes it more difficult for quarterbacks to identify situations. Furthermore, although Zimmer has no problem with zone coverage, his ability to handle man coverage is his first priority.

 

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