Mike Zimmer is no longer a lame duck for 2019. The Vikings exercised his option for the 2020 season, GM Rick Spielman confirms (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Courtney Cronin). 
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Zimmer, 63 in June, has led the Vikings to two playoff appearances (and two divisional crowns) over his five seasons. In 2017, the Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game where they were stopped by the Eagles. Last year, the Vikings fell short of expectations with a 8-7-1 finish, but they still believe Zimmer is the best man for the job.
If the Vikings can get more out of high-priced quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2019, there’s every reason to believe that they’ll be able to contend. The Vikings still boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and they have opportunities to clear out a bit of cap space, despite having just $10MM projected at the moment.
If he doesn’t win the North or NFC Championship it’s a good bye gift.