Mike Zimmer is expected to rejoin the Cowboys as defensive coordinator, source says

FRISCO, Texas – Eighteen years after he last served as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer is expected to return to the role, a source has confirmed.

Zimmer replaces Dan Quinn, who left to become the head coach of the Washington Commanders after three years as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator.

Zimmer, 67, was an assistant coach for the Cowboys from 1994 to 2006. He started in Dallas as a defensive assistant, then moved to defensive backs in 1995. Last year Dallas won the Super Bowl. He served as coordinator from 2000 to 2006 under two different coaches, Dave Campo. (2000-2002) and Bill Parcells (2003-). 06).

NFL Network first reported that the trade between the Cowboys and Zimmer was expected to happen.

From 2014-2021, Zimmer was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, compiling a 74-59-1 record that included three playoff appearances. His time in the NFC North made him more familiar with Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, then the Green Bay Packers' head coach.

Zimmer will inherit a defense that features two Defensive Player of the Year finalists in Micah Parsons and cornerback Daron Bland, who led the NFL in interceptions with nine and returned a record five for touchdowns. Cornerback Trevon Diggs is returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee but was signed to a five-year, $97 million contract last summer.

There are questions along the interior defensive line and linebacker, but the Cowboys finished fifth in yards per game (299.7) and points per game (18.5) in 2023. However, they suffered losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills in the regular season and waived 48 points in wild card loss to Packers.

Zimmer has a strong reputation within the NFL, having served as coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals before taking over in Minnesota. While he worked mostly in a 4-3 defense, he was the Cowboys' coordinator when they moved to 3-4 under Bill Parcells in 2005 after drafting DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff.

The versatility of his scheme is seen as a plus.

Zimmer is the third defensive coordinator McCarthy will hire in five seasons. Mike Nolan took over in 2020 but was replaced by Quinn after the Cowboys gave up a franchise-record 473 points. Quinn oversaw a defense that led the NFL in takeaways in 2021 and '22 while helping the Cowboys to three straight 12-5 seasons and three trips to the playoffs.

The Cowboys also interviewed former captain Ron Rivera, defensive line coach Aden Dordy, New York Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel, and held talks with former Buffalo Bills and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who is now an ESPN analyst.