While other NFL teams passed on Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman gave him a chance.
Some may call him brash, off-putting, or even too honest, Minnesota Vikings’ nation calls him Coach Zimmer. Rick Spielman took a chance on hiring Mike and it’s paying off in spades. The dare I say, “genius”, move has turned a struggling Minnesota Vikings franchise completely around in just two seasons as the Minnesota Vikings head coach.
Here is a short list of some NFL teams that said, “no thank you”, to Mike Zimmer:
Cleveland Browns
Browns are bringing in Bengals DC Mike Zimmer for an interview later today for their head coach opening. Really like this fit for them.
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 9, 2013
Without trying to sound contrite, where do I even begin? The Browns finished 2015, 3-13, last in their division, and many have predicted a similar fate for 2016. Turmoil- would be the correct way to describe this organization since 2014. It seemed the Browns were in need of a no-nonsense coach who the players could rally behind, Zimmer was a great choice Mr. Glazer.
The Browns big free agent signing this offseason was Robert Griffin III, I’m not a front office executive but I would guess that is a recipe for disaster if (when) things go bad early.
Tennessee Titans
Bengals DC Mike Zimmer is expected to interview this week with the Titans and Vikings, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2014
You know what goes great with a promising young QB, a nasty attacking defense that only allows opponents 18.9 points per game. Oh wait, that was the Vikings defense in 2015, the Titans allowed 26.4 ppg. That’s a lot of pressure to put on Marcus Mariota, knowing your team has to score four TD’s a game to have a chance. Tennessee Titans 2015 season record 3-13.
Indianapolis Colts
GM Ryan Grigson is most likely on the bubble in Indy, meaning if the Colts struggle this season Grigson will likely be looking for a new job. The Minnesota Vikings struggled to keep Teddy Bridgewater upright at times but Teddy never suffered any season ending internal injuries either. Andrew Luck was not as lucky.
Grigson’s best no-brainer move was drafting Luck in 2012, you would think he would have spent more to protect the NFL’s highest paid quarterback. Some would question Grigson’s decision making, Indianapolis Colts 2015 season record, 8-8.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have interviewed Bengals' defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer: http://t.co/hs2TVHQf
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 10, 2012
The Dolphins spent a ton of money over the last few years to bring in high-level defensive free agents. Ndamukong Suh became the NFL’s highest paid player (at the time) in 2015, signing a six year, $114 million contract, $60 million of that is guaranteed What was the Dolphins return on their investment, a defense that ranked 25th best out of 32 teams. Miami Dolphins 2015 season record, 6-10.
On a side-note, it would’ve been interesting to see how Mike Zimmer responded to the Miko Grimes Twitter fiasco in Miami.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers chose Lovie Smith over Zimmer in 2014. Smith has been a longtime NFL coach with a career record of 89-87 over 11 years. With a winning percentage of .506, Smith has put together a very respectable career, however one team is still in the rebuilding process and the other is on the verge of a Super Bowl run. Lovie got a second chance with Tampa while Zimmer was fighting for his first, always the bridesmaid but never a bride, but Zimmer’s time was coming. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2015 season record, 6-10.
Next: Minnesota Vikings: 5 things to watch during the preseason
Wishing them all a fantastic 2016 season and a huge THANK YOU to every NFL team that passed on coach Zimmer, Vikings’ nation is more than happy to have him!