Cowboys to Hire Mike Zimmer As Defensive Coordinator, per Report

The former Vikings coach is headed to Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to hire former Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

The Cowboys saw Dan Quinn get poached by the NFC East rival Washington Commanders during the latest coaching cycle, as he was named the franchise’s head coach.

Zimmer will bring plenty of experience to Dallas, having been the Vikings’ coach for eight years from 2014-21. This marks the second time he will take up the job as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, having served in the same role from 2000-06.

During his first stint in Dallas, Zimmer got started as a defensive assistant in 1994 before earning a promotion to defensive backs coach and eventually defensive coordinator. 

After leaving the team in ‘06, he spent time as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals before landing the head coaching gig in Minnesota. After parting ways with the Vikings after the ‘21 season, Zimmer has spent the past two seasons away from coaching. 

Zimmer was in competition with some high-profile candidates who were also reported to be interviewing for the vacancy in Dallas, including the likes of former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and former Commanders coach Ron Rivera–who Quinn replaced in Washington. 

The Cowboys had a top five defense in ’23, and they’ll need to maintain that level of play from the unit if they want to contend for a Super Bowl in ‘24.