How important is the Vikings’ 2017 season for Mike Zimmer’s future?

Is a postseason berth necessary to keep the head coach’s job with the Minnesota Vikings safe or just he need to avoid a disaster in 2017?

During his introductory press conference as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings back in 2014, Mike Zimmer promised to the franchise and the fans that he would lead the team to a Super Bowl victory one day.

After a 2015 season that included winning the NFC North division title, it seemed as though Zimmer had the Vikings on the right path to a Lombardi trophy. However, the head coach and his team were bombarded with a flurry of unfortunate events in 2016 and it led to Minnesota missing out on the playoffs for the second time in Zimmer’s three years with the team.

So what if the Vikings do not make the playoffs again this year? Is it possible that Minnesota could show Zimmer the door if he fails to lead the team to the postseason in 2017?

Yeah it is possible, but it seems far from likely.

Minnesota Vikings

A lot happened with the Vikings last year that no one could have seen coming and Zimmer was still able to coach the team to an 8-8 record.

And if things went a little differently last season, Minnesota could have easily been in the playoffs. Of the Vikings’ eight losses in 2016, four were by six points or less.

Basically, last year’s record should have been a lot worse. But with Zimmer’s help, Minnesota was able to have a respectable season.

With last year now in the past, the head coach has a team in 2017 that is fully capable of returning to the playoffs. Zimmer also knows now that using motivational tactics like slashing the throats of stuffed animals (allegedly) are not necessary to get his message across.

A postseason berth in 2017 would certainly wash away any trace of doubts about the head coach’s future with the Vikings.

Next: Former Vikings' punter released by the Colts

If Minnesota misses the playoffs yet again this season, do not expect Zimmer to lose his job. But that chair in his office that he sits in everyday may be a little hotter in 2018.