A familiar face will be back in town coaching the Dallas Cowboys defense in 2024.
Per multiple reports, the Cowboys are expected to hire Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Dan Quinn.
The #Cowboys are expected to hire Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator, per sources.
Zimmer, 67, is the third-winningest head coach in #Vikings history and long respected for his defensive prowess. A big hire for Dallas, where Zimmer previously coached from 1994-2006. pic.twitter.com/jFq8KdIyNJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 9, 2024
The details of the deal have not yet been released, but Zimmer was the choice after he, Ron Rivera, and Rex Ryan all interviewed for the job.
Why Zimmer?
Zimmer has been around this league for a long time. He has coached at a high level, won a lot of games, and has a great defensive mind.
He was the head coach of the Vikings from 2014-21. Leading them to three playoff appearances going 72-56-1.
He started his coaching career with Dallas, though.
Cowboys are expected to hire Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the situation confirmed. Some logistics to completed as of earlier tonight in order for deal to be finalized, but Zimmer is the choice. @TomPelissero first reported.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 9, 2024
He was an assistant in 1994 with the Cowboys and was the defensive coordinator from 2000-2006.
Zimmer is a football guy. He is not there to be your friend, he is there to be your coach.
So may not, but I like the hire. He consistently puts players in a position to succeed and maximizes the linebacker and secondary strengths.
After Quinn took Joe Whitt Jr. with him to Washington to be his defensive coordinator, Zimmer was the best option for the field they interviewed.
Darren Woodson on Mike Zimmer
Exactly what's the Cowboys defense is missing. pic.twitter.com/Ik8eLCvubh
— MartinTalkCowboys (@DAK_4_MVP) February 8, 2024
Type of Defense
Zimmer is known for running aggressive, versatile 4-3 defenses that give offenses a lot to think about both before and after the snap.
My guess is they may stay with that, or Zimmer will talk with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and other key defenders to see what they want to do.
He is a great defensive mind, and his teams have always been way above average when it comes to defense.
Cowboys source confirms Mike Zimmer will be the team's next defensive coordinator, replacing Dan Quinn. Zimmer back in a role he had with the Cowboys from 2000-06.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 9, 2024
During his time with the Vikings as the head coach, they only allowed 21 points a game,
Zimmer is going to put players in the right spot to help stop the run, something the Cowboys have been trying to fix for the last two years.
Zimmer now becomes the third defensive coordinator since Mike McCarthy took over as head coach.
It started with the disaster with Mike Nolan who he brought in when he was first hired.
Nolan had the worst defense I have ever seen in my life, no joke. The Cowboys gave up a franchise-record 473 when he called the plays.
Quinn was great for about a year and some change. Yes, they led the league in takeaways, and he sparked them, but they struggled against good teams.
Physical downhill-running teams killed them.
Mike Zimmer, Rex Ryan & Ron Rivera have all been linked to the Dallas Cowboys:@Michaelirvin88 reveals who he believes is the best candidate for the vacant DC position pic.twitter.com/kiXd1mHmxp
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 8, 2024
Defense in 2024
The Cowboys have the talent on that side of the ball but need help at linebacker and defensive line.
They need to get better at stopping the run, Zimmer should help with that, we think.
I don’t like trying and predict what a coach will do before they show it on game day, but Zimmer is a solid hire.
Cowboys are not in a great spot cap-wise, but they can add players if they want to, you can beat the cap.
Time will tell if this will be the right hire, these players need to start buying into a system, let’s hope Zimmer can bring that.
