How come the Vikings haven’t extended Mike Zimmer yet?
By Dean Jones
Zimmer’s record with the Vikings
Mike Zimmer has had a very positive influence on the Vikings since he was appointed the team’s head coach. The former defensive coordinator made the transition to a primary leadership role well after finally earning himself a top job in 2014.
His old-school method of coaching can sometimes rub players up the wrong way. But there is no denying the response he has received from the majority of those that have put on a Minnesota uniform for him during his time in charge.
Zimmer’s record of 57–38–1 in regular-season games is above average. When one considers the Vikings were a 5-10-1 team before he took over, he has done well to turn things around.
The head coach has reached the playoffs three times during his time with the organization and all of these have come within the last five seasons. Minnesota has managed to acquire some talented players through free agency and the NFL Draft who have all fitted into Zimmer’s ethos and way of thinking.
How he continues on next season is going to be crucial for Zimmer. The Vikings have lost some influential players this offseason in the likes of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills for a hoard of draft picks.
Zimmer and other decision-makers in Minnesota have plenty of work still to do in the coming weeks, with plenty of positions needing a significant upgrade.