The Dallas Cowboys are bringing in former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator in what looks to be the first major change for the organization this offseason.
Many remember Zimmer as head coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2021, but he actually got his start in Big D. Zimmer was an assistant coach for the Cowboys in 1994 before becoming the defensive back coach in 1995. The last time the Cowboys won a Super Bowl, Zimmer was there (feel old yet?). He became the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2000 and held that position until 2006. Zimmer went on to serve as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 as well as the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008 to 2013. He landed the job of Head Coach for the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and ended his stint there in 2021 with a record of 72-56-1. Zimmer was also an analyst for Jackson State with former Cowboy Deion Sanders.
As reported by Tom Pelissero this week, Mike Zimmer replaces Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn who has taken the head coaching job for division rival Washington Commanders.
A Massive Defensive Collapse
The Cowboys are coming off an embarrassing loss in the first round of the playoffs to the Green Bay Packers in which the defense gave up a whopping 48 points, the largest total all season. A familiar scene for Dallas fans- a disappointing end to another promising season and NFC East title and one-and-done in the playoffs. Dallas had a point differential of 172 points at home, but that didn’t translate to playoff success.
Team Owner Jerry Jones has stated the Cowboys are “all in” for the 2024 season, but with another early playoff exit after a promising regular season many fans have doubts that that can translate to actual playoff success. Cowboys fans want change and this seems like a step in the right direction, but whether or not it will make a difference next January remains to be seen. For the most part Cowboys Nation seems to be in favor of the Zimmer hire, and now the focus turns to free agency, that Dak contract, and if the future includes him and head coach Mike McCarthy. But as everyone knows, as long as the Cowboys are in the news, Jerry is happy. That’s not enough for Cowboys fans, and the window for a Super Bowl appearance isn’t getting any bigger.
