Mike Zimmer comments on potential Cowboys return following ‘hard’ year

Mike Zimmer said he’s had a blast since returning to the Dallas Cowboys despite hardships.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have won four of their past five games — and it should have been five in a row if not for a special team's mistake in Week 14. During that stretch, the defense has been doing the heavy-lifting, including this past Sunday night when they forced two turnovers in the closing minutes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In addition to creating turnovers, the Dallas defense sacked Baker Mayfield four times leaving him uncomfortable in the pocket.

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All of this is a credit to the work Mike Zimmer has done. While he's been aided by the return of Micah Parsons — who missed four games with a high ankle sprain — Zimmer has gotten the most out of this unit despite several injuries at all three levels.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) rushes the passer against Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (67) in the fourth quarter. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Those injuries contributed to a slow start to the season for Dallas, which Zimmer recently admitted was difficult. The 68-year-old was out of the NFL since 2021 and said he's "had a blast" returning to Dallas, but that he's not ready to say he will return in 2025.

Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer joked that “it’s been a blast” when asked if he has enjoyed this year being back in coaching. Dallas got off to a rough start, but Zimmer does not regret coaching this season.

“I’ve had fun. … But it’s been hard. I’m not gonna lie about that. It’s been… pic.twitter.com/QjVtEkxyaX

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024

Parsons has been adamant that he wants Zimmer to return, but the front office still hasn't decided if head coach Mike McCarthy will be back.

Owner/GM Jerry Jones has left the door open for both to return, even saying they're essentially tied together at this point. If Jones does decide to run it back with this staff, it sounds as though Zimmer might need a little push to return for one more year.

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