Multiple reports indicate that the Vikings have fired Mike Zimmer, coach, and Rick Spielman as GM, signaling a new Minnesota regime.
After six seasons as defensive coordinator for the Vikings, Zimmer, now 65, was hired in 2014 by Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf. Cincinnati Bengals (2008-13). The same position he held with the Atlanta FalconsIn 2007, Dallas CowboysZimmer was an NFL coach from 2000 to 2006. He began his career with the Cowboys in 1993 and coached college football from 1979-1993.
Zimmer has never been fired before in his career.
Zimmer was a Vikings player for eight seasons, posting a 72-56-1 record. He also made three trips into the postseason (2015 and 2017, 2019), with two playoff wins. With the league’s best-ranked defense, Minnesota reached the NFC Championship Game 2017
Zimmer was fired as Minnesota’s defense reached new heights, which contributed to their 8-9 record. According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Vikings allowed 128 points in this half. This is a record they set 20 years ago for the most allowed points in the last two minutes of a period.
Spielman, 59 years old, began his career with the Vikings as vice president of player personnel in 2006. He was promoted to general manger in 2012.
Spielman was an executive and the Vikings reached six playoffs, including the NFC Championship Game twice in 2009 and 2017.
Spielman was the Vikings’ draft director in 2007, when Adrian Peterson, running back, was selected No. 7 overall. Peterson was named Offensive Rookie-of-the Year in 2012 and the Most Valuable Player in 2013. Spielman also drafted wide receivers Justin Jefferson22nd overall for the 2020 draft. This season, Jefferson set an NFL record for receiving the most yards in a player’s first 2 NFL seasons.
Spielman will remain tied to Minnesota’s famous signing of the quarterback. Kirk CousinsFollowing signing a record three year, fully guaranteed contract of $84 million, Cousins was free to sign with the Vikings. Since Cousins joined, the Vikings have only made it to the playoffs once.
The Vikings finished the regular season at 132-122-2 and the postseason at 3-6 during Spielman’s tenure.