5 dark horse candidates to be the next Dallas Cowboys head coach
3. Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
Zimmer got a token contract extension early last offseason, putting him under contract with the Vikings through next season. But it’s worth wondering if a bad loss to the New Orleans Saints in a Wild Card game on Sunday will bring a move to make changes, including letting Zimmer go. In the wake of such a loss, would he pursue other opportunities that may come his way?
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has offered the idea the Jones is a fan of Zimmer and could pursue a trade for him. Charles Robinson of Yahoo! has pointed to Sunday’s game against the Saints as critical to Zimmer’s future in Minnesota.
5. As for #Vikings, ownership likes Stefanski a lot. If the team totally craters vs. #Saints, don’t rule out significant changes in the face of playoff failure and potentially losing Stefanski. I believe this game matters for Mike Zimmer‘s 2020 outlook - not just an extension.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) December 30, 2019
Zimmer spent a big chunk of his career as an assistant for the Cowboys, first as defensive backs coach (1994-1999) and then as defensive coordinator (2000-2006). So Jones has that familiarity, and Zimmer might be deemed the guy to get the most out of a talent-laden defensive unit that underachieved as a whole this year.
Zimmer has struggled to find, or retain in at least one case, the right offensive coordinator during his time as Vikings’ head coach. But if the right coordinator on the side of the ball opposite his expertise would join him in Dallas, he is a solid fit if available.