The Vikings will split their defensive coordinator role in two. On Monday, the team announced that assistants Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer will serve as the club’s co-DCs in 2020. 
[RELATED: Vikings Hire Gary Kubiak As OC]
It’s an unusual move to split coordinator duties, but it will allow the team to maintain consistency on defense going forward. Patterson is entering his ninth year with the Vikes while Zimmer is entering season No. 7. Neither coach has previously served as an NFL DC.
Since rejoining the Vikings six years ago, Patterson has guided the defense to a No. 3 rank in sacks (260), rushing touchdowns allowed (123), and opponent yards per game (321.8). Last year, as the team’s defensive line coach, he had a part in the team’s 30 defensive takeaways, 17 interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries. Meanwhile, pupil Danielle Hunter became the youngest player in NFL history to eclipse 50.0 career sacks.
Zimmer, the son of head coach Mike Zimmer, has been in charge of the team’s linebackers and instrumental in developing Pro Bowlers such as Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. In his six years, the Vikings have allowed opponents to converts on just 36.1% of third downs, the best rate in the league over that span.
Look, it doesn’t take a genius to know that every organization thrives when it has two leaders. Go ahead, name a country that doesn’t have two presidents. A boat that sets sail without two captains.
Haha very good quote job there. This could also relate to the Office episode “Nepotism”.
Except Zimmerman (Mike), would be president or captain…….
Except Zimmer (Mike), would be president or captain…..
I know, I was just taking the bait to use an Office quote.
Good stuff
Where would Catholicism be without the Popes?
Lmao
Looking forward to seeing these two engaged in rock-paper-scissors battles on the sidelines.
Co-ordinators can work at times, but rarely does having the HC’s son as an assistant ever work out.
He’s already been the LB coach for 6 seasons… also Kubiak has his son on the offensive staff as well. This is common in the NFL, happened in Wash with Shanahan’s, etc
Isn’t Belichecks son an assistant with the Pats?
At least one maybe two
Norv Turner’s son worked with him too I think…you could probably go on forever listing examples
Shouldn’t they add a 3rd DC, in case they need to break a tie on a decision?