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5 candidates to replace Mike Zimmer as Vikings head coach

By Brad Berreman

Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Credit: by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Credit: by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images /

2. Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator

Leftwich has risen the coaching ranks quickly. The former quarterback (and top-10 pick in the 2003 draft) started out as an intern for Bruce Arians in 2016, then he was quarterbacks coach and eventually interim offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2017-2018. He rejoined Arians in Tampa Bay, and he’s now in his second season as offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers.

Leftwich clearly has a staunch advocate in Arians.

From 2016, on the idea of keeping Leftwich beyond that summer internship:

“After that, we’ll see,” Arians said, per the team’s official website. “Hopefully I can keep him all year. I think he’s got a great, bright future in coaching.”

In 2017, on the brightness of Leftwich’s future in coaching after he became the Cardinals’ quarterbacks coach.

“He’ll be a head coach early and fast,” Arians assessed recently, via Darren Urban of the team’s official website.

If things go well with Tom Brady and Buccaneers offense this year, Leftwich will get a solid level of credit for his work as the play-caller and adaptability to work in the uniqueness of a situation with Brady. The Vikings will pretty much be married to Kirk Cousins for a couple more years even if Zimmer is fired. So Leftwich’s experience as a player and budding resume as a coach would make him a nice fit.

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