Fansided

The Vikings must fire Mike Zimmer and here are 3 potential replacements

By Cole Thompson

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings shakes hands with Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 during warm ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings shakes hands with Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 during warm ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Mike Zimmer has been one of the more respected coaches in the NFL for the past decade. For that reason, it’s best for the Minnesota Vikings to ask him to step down rather than fire him. However, if he refuses, the Vikings have too much talent to let them finish dead last in the NFC North due to coaching.

Three years removed from the “Minneapolis Miracle” and the Vikings’ ship has been blown off course. Kirk Cousins couldn’t hit water if he fell off the boat, the defensive line struggles to add pressure and the secondary Zimmer was best known for during his days as a coordinator looks lost while allowing repeated touchdowns. Part of that is due to injury, but a majority of problems are caused behind the scenes.

Even if the Vikings decide to keep Zimmer through the season, the writing should be on the wall. And with offensive innovation taking over, Ziggy Wilf and Rick Spielman can’t be afraid to move on from the veteran play-caller for someone new. If Minnesota needs a new commander and chief, here are several names to watch.

Gary Kubiak, Vikings offensive coordinator

Kubiak won’t be the flashy hire, but maybe that’s what’s needed. On track record alone, the former Texans and Broncos head coach has the experience to take over and keep the team afloat in a new direction.

During his time in Houston, Kubiak picked up five winning seasons on his way to leading the team to their first ever AFC South title. He also is the all-time winningest coach in the franchise’s short history. After rebounding in Baltimore with Joe Flacco, Kubiak hoisted a Lombardi Trophy in his first season back with the Broncos along with posting some of the best defensive numbers of the last decade.

Other names will garner attention, but Kubiak’s background with lesser quarterbacks has him in prime position to be successful in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Cousins at this point is looking more like Matt Schaub than Matthew Stafford, and with the contract at hand, Minnesota is likely stuck for another season with him under center.

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