5 best Minnesota Vikings moments of the past decade
By Adam Patrick
3. Hiring of Mike Zimmer (2014)
Following an abysmal five seasons to begin the decade that included three last-place finishes in the NFC North and a first-round exit in the 2012 playoffs, the Vikings went searching for a new head coach in 2014.
After interviewing multiple candidates, Minnesota decided to select Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to be their newest head coach. For Zimmer, this was his very first head coaching opportunity in the NFL after being passed over for so many years.
Since he was hired by the Vikings, all he has done is led the team to two division titles, two playoff appearances (soon to be three), a spot in the 2017 NFC Championship, and a winning record in four of his six seasons in charge.
Under Zimmer’s guidance, Minnesota’s defense transformed from the laughingstock of the NFL in 2013 to one of the league’s top units year after year.
His all-time winning percentage is the third-highest in Vikings history behind Dennis Green and Bud Grant and he has already led Minnesota to more wins than six of the other eight guys who have had stints as the team’s head coach.
Hiring Zimmer in 2014 has literally turned the franchise around and the Vikings have been one of the most consistently competitive teams during his tenure as their head coach.