New Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer refutes notion he's an 'idiot'

Mike Zimmer is a hardcore, old-school football coach. Some have called him an “idiot” (or perhaps worse).

The truth is: most players love playing for him (and most writers love covering him).

Zimmer was introduced as the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator on Wednesday, putting him back on the sidelines for the first time since 2021. For the first time in four years, the Cowboys' defense will be called by someone other than Dan Quinn, who left to become the Chiefs' head coach.

“There's a reputation that I'm an idiot or something,” Zimmer said. “It is what it is, I guess. But you know, since the announcement that I've been here, I've heard from a lot of guys that played with me. The players here, not just the defensive backs, the linebackers and the defensive backs, have texted me and told me how happy they are with me.” .I think if I were a fool, I wouldn't hear from these guys.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who played with Zimmer from 2014-2021, calls the former Vikings coach an “acquired taste.” Former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, who played with Zimmer from 1994-2003, is among his former players who say players must adjust to Zimmer's edge.

Zimmer disagrees.

“Those who want to be great want to be coached,” Zimmer said. “There's a lot of social media. There's a lot of external things going on. The people I've been around, the young guys, the ones who want to be great, they want to be coached. They want to study. They want to understand how they can get better. Most of the great players They want to know how can you make me better?

Former Vikings linebacker Xavier Rhodes, the 25th overall pick in 2013, is a player Zimmer said he pushed hard. Rhodes made three Pro Bowls and was once an All-Pro, and the former player still has a relationship with his former coach.

“Xavier Rhodes called me probably five months ago,” Zimmer said. “I was watching him every day in terms of discipline and getting the right move and all that stuff. He became a great player, and he called me and said: 'Coach, I know how hard you are on me, but I appreciate what you've done for me and the family' and things like that. Did you hear that? Maybe I'm too harsh with a lot of players, but I've heard it a few times. It makes you feel good because they understand that you're just trying to help them. You don't want to just be a mean guy or something.