Micah Parsons Reacts as New Cowboys Coach Mike Zimmer Reveals D Plans

Micah Parsons Reacts as New Dallas Cowboys Coach Mike Zimmer Reveals Defense Plans

FRISCO - New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer met the media in a reintroductory press conference on Wednesday here at The Star, joking about how much DFW reporters had aged since he last worked here almost 20 years ago.

Much more key than this meeting, though. Is a coming sitdown with the best player in his charge, Micah Parsons around will definitely help that case.

And the three-time All-Pro “Lion-backer” sounds excited about what’s on tap.

"Just going off of the track record and what I'm seeing, he's done really well (in his career)," said Parsons via NFL Network. "From what I hear, he's a very good coach. I'm excited to meet him and to see what he has planned for my future. … 

“It’s gonna be real exciting."

Zimmer replaces Washington-bound Dan Quinn, with whom Parsons was especially close. How Parsons and Zimmer mesh - and how Parsons is utilized - will be a key to whether this reunion (Zimmer coached here from 1995 to 2006) under lame-duck head coach Mike McCarthy is a 2024 success.

Zimmer said it’s too early to issue defensive scheme reveals.

“At the end of the day, honestly, it’s about what the players can do. …Ideas are great and all of that. But what can they do?”

But he did add, with an acknowledgment of Quinn’s success, Zimmer on his scheme in Dallas: “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. They’ve been pretty good.”

And Parsons has been better than good as he eyes ways for Dallas to be even better.

"I think it takes a collective group and everyone being bought-in," said Parsons. "From the higher-ups to the coaches to the players to the practice squad, it doesn't matter who you are, I think everyone needs to be locked in. Everyone needs to buy in, and it starts with OTAs – how many people are we gonna get in there and learn this new system?”

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We know Zimmer will have a very low tolerance for anybody who fails to “buy in,” reputation he addressed here with a wry smile.

There is a reputation out there that I’m a jerk,” he said, but then pointing out the large number of players who’ve reached out to congratulate him on this move. “I don't think I’d hear from all them, if I was such a jerk."