Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer gains respect with bluntness

Since joining the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Mike Zimmer has continually gained respect around the league with his blunt nature and tough approach.

It has been over three years since the Minnesota Vikings interviewed multiple candidates to the their new head coach after relieving Leslie Frazier of the job on December 30, 2013. The search included a long-tenured defensive coordinator named Mike Zimmer.

Zimmer was already known for being a no-nonsense type coach. Clips of him from Hard Knocks with the Cincinnati Bengals showcased his hard-nosed approach to football and a reputation of success with the Cowboys and Bengals defenses made him a top candidate.

The Vikings took a gamble on Zimmer despite his lack of head coaching experience and straight-forward nature. That quality was on display during the Minneapolis broadcast of Minnesota’s first preseason game of the season, when he was asked what he liked from the team during the first half of action.

"“There wasn’t much that I likedto be honest with you.”"

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Now at 61 years old, Zimmer doesn’t appear to have much time at all for shenanigans. And having that quality is something that Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf appreciates from their head coach according to FOX Sports:

"“What I appreciate about Zim is, from Day One to today, he’s always been a straight shooter,” Wilf said. “He tells it like it is, to his players, to his coaches, to the staff and to ownership. There’s a lot of accountability with him. He shoots straight with others, and he expects the same in return.”"

But it isn’t the respect from the owners that should be getting the most attention. Mike Zimmer is constantly leaving a mark on his team, which is something the players working with him take note of. Starting quarterback Sam Bradford recently spoke of his opinion on his head coach:

"“He is probably one the most upfront, honest coaches I have ever played for,” Bradford said. “I think that’s one of the things the guys really respect, because we know he’s in it with us.”"

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Fans of the Minnesota Vikings seem to appreciate the temperament and nature of Mike Zimmer as well. Of course, much of the admiration could come from the fact the team has turned their defense around dramatically under his watch, but it also has a lot to do with the head coach himself, who always impresses with his hard-nosed approach to the game of football.

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