5 things Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer must get right in 2020
By Dean Jones
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer faces a pivotal offseason ahead of what could be a crossroad campaign for the franchise.
Once again, Mike Zimmer guided the Minnesota Vikings to a playoff berth during a season that promised much, but ultimately fell short. With so many questions still to be answered, much will depend on how Zimmer will improve areas of need from a coaching perspective to improve the team’s chances of besting their 10-6 record in 2019.
A lot has been made of the impact general manager Rick Spielman could make on Minnesota’s overall fortunes in the coming months with salary cap limitations and a number of key figures either looking for extensions or emerging as possible candidates to be released due to their lack of productivity.
However, some would argue that Zimmer also has the weight of the world on his shoulders for a team who appears to be on the verge of yet another window closing without a Super Bowl victory to their name.
The former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator is expected to earn an extension this year after leading Minnesota to a memorable playoff victory over the New Orleans Saints this season.
But with new offensive and defensive coordinators being implemented and plenty to work on to get the organization over the hump, there are still questions surrounding a head coach who is heading into his seventh season with the franchise.
An extension would give Zimmer a sense of stability and outline the confidence that Spielman and the Vikings’ ownership have in him.
Given there is so much uncertainty surrounding so many areas of the roster, then it must be a long-term commitment even if that means enduring a period of transition as former All-Pro and Pro Bowl players move on to pastures new.
As for this offseason, what are five things that Zimmer must get right to give Minnesota the best possible chance of reaching their goals next season?