Mike Zimmer Makes First Comments After Cowboys Hiring
By Cem Yolbulan
The Dallas Cowboys finally have their defensive coordinator. The veteran coach Mike Zimmer, who previously worked for the Cowboys for 12 years, is coming back to take over as the defensive coordinator under Mike McCarthy.
The experienced play-caller, who was most recently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for eight seasons, couldn't contain his excitement when asked about his new role.
Ed Werder of ESPN reported what the 67-year-old said about his new position.
New Cowboys DC Makes First Remarks Since Hire
Mike Zimmer to me on returning to Dallas as DC:
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) February 12, 2024
“I’m excited and honored to be back with a great organization. I’m thrilled to work with Mike McCarthy, for whom I have had a ton of respect in our NFC North days, and to do anything I can do to help the Joneses and the Cowboys.” pic.twitter.com/TShnJZtPAh
Zimmer highlighted his excitement about being back in Dallas working for Jerry Jones. Between 1994 and 2006, Zimmer worked in different roles on the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys, most notably as the defensive coordinator for the last seven seasons of his tenure. Dallas consistently had some of the best units in the NFL under his watch.
Now, he has the chance to work under Mike McCarthy, a coach who he shares a ton of mutual respect with. The two coaches battled regularly in the NFC North when McCarthy was the Packers' head coach.
Zimmer has big shoes to fill after Dan Quinn's departure. The Cowboys were an elite defensive group last season and arguably have more talent on that end than any other team in the league.
This was presumably a big selling point for Zimmer, who hasn't coached the past two seasons. Being the defensive coordinator for this stacked defensive group is one of the most attractive coaching gigs in the NFL.
The Cowboys currently have the sixth-best odds (+1500) to win Super Bowl LIX. If you think the Zimmer hire can help them get over the hump next season, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your $200 in bonus bets when you make a winning wager of $5.
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