Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer Claps Back at Alleged ‘Jerk’ Reputation

The new defensive coordinator wanted to make one thing clear upon his re-introduction to Dallas.

While being introduced as the Dallas Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator on Wednesday, Mike Zimmer wanted to make one thing clear.

He is not a jerk.

“There’s a reputation out there that I’m a jerk or something like that,” Zimmer said. “It is what it is, I guess. But you know, since it was announced I was going to be here, I’ve heard from so many players that played for me.

“Players here, not just defensive backs, the linebackers and defensive linemen have texted me and said how happy they were for me. I think if I was such a jerk I wouldn’t be hearing from those guys.”

New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the former Minnesota Vikings coach, set the record straight on his reputation as a “jerk” during his introductory press conference :: Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports

Zimmer gained a reputation as a hard-nosed defensive-minded coach over his 28 years on NFL sidelines, a tenure which began with the Cowboys as an assistant in 1994. Zimmer spent 13 seasons in Dallas from ‘94 to 2006 and coached defensive backs during the franchise’s most recent Super Bowl title in 1996.

He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000 and spent the next 14 years leading that side of the ball for the Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals before being hired as the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach in 2014.

Over eight seasons in Minnesota, Zimmer logged a 72-56-1 record with three playoff berths and one NFC championship appearance on the back of receiver Stefon Diggs’s miraculous 61-yard touchdown reception as time expired in a divisional round matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

In 22 years as a coordinator and head coach, Zimmer has led a defense to a top-10 finish in yards and/or points allowed 12 times. He has coached Hall of Famers such as Deion Sanders and Charles Haley, but also recent All-Pro talents like cornerback Xavier Rhodes, linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive end Danielle Hunter.

“The ones that want to be great, they want to be coached,” Zimmer said when addressing his intensity on the sidelines. “... They want to study. They want to understand how they can get better.”

Now, Zimmer will be tasked with replacing Dan Quinn, who was hired this offseason as the Washington Commanders’ new head coach. The Cowboys finished as the fifth-best defense in total yards (299.7) and points (18.5) allowed per game under Quinn’s leadership last season.