It looks like the Mike Zimmer reign might finally be coming to an end in Minnesota after 8 seasons. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported today that the Vikings are expected to move on from their long-time head coach this week.
“Zimmer has been in Minnesota since 2014 and quickly helped turn the franchise around, though he is 7-9 for the second straight year. With one game to play this season, their playoff hopes are gone.
Zimmer was nearly let go a few years back, and sources said there was a clear mandate from ownership to be a true contender in 2021; Minnesota got off to a slow start, has erratic results from week to week, and never sustained any momentum on either side of the ball. Zimmer was under fire for the construction of his staff and has repeatedly clashed with offensive staff over the years.”
Despite the success that Zimmer has had with the Vikings in his 8 years, boasting 2nd highest win percentage in the teams’ modern era, it is clear to see that his time with the purple and gold has run its course.
Despite the change in coach, it looks like current general manager Rick Spielman will stay with the team in some capacity. Though he is unlikely to remain general manager next season, La Canfora reports that he might move into more of a front office or advisory role akin to John Elway with the Broncos.
“Spielman could remain in Minnesota in a role that oversees the coach and potential new general manager, or ownership could end up with a different balance of power depending on how the coaching search unfolds.”
La Canfora also talked about Spielman’s ability to bring in talent and his relationship with the Wilfs, and how the built-in trust between the two could see Spielman stay within the organization.
Spielman is very close with ownership and is trusted immensely; the team has spent big and has yet to win big, but several league sources said they would be very surprised if Spielman was not a part of the organization in some capacity moving forward.”
Zimmer and Spielman will always be associated with one another given the last 8 years, from their improbable 2017 playoff run to their decision to sign Kirk Cousins to the first-ever fully guaranteed deal.
Despite their long stays in Minnesota, it looks like the Vikings are set for a new head coach and general manager duo.
