Minnesota Vikings nearing extension with head coach Mike Zimmer

The Vikings are nearing a multi-year extension with Mike Zimmer, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, keeping the coach in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is nearing a multi-year extension with the team, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, keeping him in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.

According to Pelissero, Zimmer was headed into the final year of his deal, but now is tied to the organization long-term.

While there has been uncertainty in the past regarding Zimmer’s job security, Wednesday’s news is a vote of confidence in the veteran head coach, and a well-deserved one at that. Zimmer boasts a respectable 59-41-1 record, and has taken Minnesota to the playoffs three times in five years.

Zimmer’s squad will look a bit different in 2020 than it did a year ago, with multiple starters on defense leaving in free agency and wide receiver Stefon Diggs traded to Buffalo. After reaching the playoffs in 2019, the Vikings have lofty expectations this season.

However, Zimmer has never reached the playoffs in consecutive years. An extension carries the implication that the organization fully expects him to do so in 2020, and, based on the structure of the deal, the pressure could be on if the Vikings underperform this season.

That likely will not be the case, though. Regardless of the team’s record in 2020, Zimmer has established himself as a competent head coach throughout his Minnesota tenure, leading a ferocious defense year in and year out.

His track record is likely enough to earn him the complete trust of the front office. If anything, general manager Rick Spielman may be more likely to feel the heat considering the organization’s shaky cap situation.

While the details of the contract are not yet public, Vikings fans are likely pleased that the organization is committed to continuity. Zimmer has been among the league’s more consistent coaches over the last five seasons, and fans can expect more of the same over the course of his new contract.