5 college coaches the Vikings could replace Mike Zimmer with in 2022

Which college coaches should be in consideration if the Minnesota Vikings fire Mike Zimmer?

The Mike Zimmer era with the Minnesota Vikings seems to be running out of steam. After a slow start once again in 2021, the Vikings are staring down an insurmountable bounceback to make the playoffs this season, leaving Zimmer’s job in jeopardy.

There is no denying that Zimmer had some success with the organization. He led them on some incredible playoff runs over his eight seasons as head coach, but the time has come to move on from the defensive guru.

If the Vikings do decide to move on from their head coach, there should be some quality candidates with a chance to land the job. Minnesota may have a poor record, but the team has some exciting young talent. A new head coach would be entering a very friendly situation.

With Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Christian Darrisaw, and Brian O’Neill anchoring down the offense with upside and youth, a new play-caller could elevate this team drastically. On defense, the likes of Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, and Cameron Dantzler will provide some building blocks.

So many variables will play into the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. If the front office decides to dip into the college pool for the next lead man, who might they consider? Here are the top college coaches to replace Mike Zimmer next season.

This is going to be a little tricky because the potential openings next fall will be exciting across both college football and the NFL. The 49ers and Bears both have exciting young quarterbacks and could need a head coach. USC, a prized job in the college market, has an opening as well.