Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer‘s job security is once again a topic of conversation. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says Zimmer’s future in Minnesota is presently unclear, though a playoff berth would obviously be a major boost to his prospects.
Unfortunately for him, he will be without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for tonight’s matchup against the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers in Lambeau Field. Cousins has landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so Sean Mannion will get the nod in a must-win contest in which Minnesota is a 13.5-point underdog.
As such, the Vikings are very much at risk of sitting out the postseason for the fifth time in eight seasons under Zimmer’s stewardship. And since he was said to be on the hot seat earlier this year, and given that ownership was prepared to cut ties even after a 10-6 season and a playoff win in 2019, it would seem that another season with no chance at a title might be too much for Zimmer to overcome.
That is especially true when considering the manner in which the 2021 campaign has unfolded. The Vikings have lost eight games by one score and actually have a +12 point differential despite their 7-8 record. They have suffered a handful of heartbreaking losses, they have been penalized for more yards than any other NFC team, and they have allowed more points in the final two minutes of a half than any team in football (h/t Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune). They have also dropped games to the then-winless Lions and a Cowboys team that was playing Cooper Rush at quarterback due to a Dak Prescott injury.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports says internal discussions about Zimmer’s future have taken place, and the Vikings have researched potential HC candidates. Zimmer, 65, does boast a 71-54-1 regular season record, but he could be looking for a new employer (or considering retirement) in a couple of weeks. Injuries, COVID-19, and other circumstances have doubtlessly played a role in this year’s disappointments, though that may not be enough to earn Zimmer a reprieve.
I wonder if he even wants to keep his job after deciding to start Mannion over Mond or Sloter, both of which have something to offer the future of Minnesota by contrast..
None of them are winning the game and I’m sure Lambeau Field in January is not the best time to start your rookie QB who was drafted to be a long term development kind of guy. I’m actually glad Zimmer isn’t pulling a Matt Nagy throwing a clearly unready rookie to the dogs just in a vain attempt to save his job and appease the fans.
No they aren’t going to win in GB but they wouldn’t have with Cousins either, so this is a fair point…
They would have at least stayed in the game long enough to lose on the final play if Cousins was out there. I want to see Mond but I don’t anything standing in the way of Zimmer getting fired, so playing the worst QB on the roster in Mannion works for me.
I’d agree, Hannibal. There’s something to be said for experience, but a young QB learns nothing from getting throttled.
When you look at your bench and the GM and Owner give you Barney Rubble, you play Barney Rubble! Not like one person wears that decision. Expanded league, limited super stars and team salary caps might, just might play a part in who is the next man up?
I would be more inclined to dump Spielman. He has handcuffed the Vikings with his poor cap management and until recently was convinced that stockpiling 7th round picks was a winning strategy.
He’s not responsible fully for the cap. That’s largely the responsibility of bernanski… I butchered his last name, I know.. Anyways, most of the contract extensions the vikes have gotten done over the last seven years have been relatively front loaded and grade benefitted the team…. And then there was kirk cousins…. His qb…. But his fully guaranteed deal was murder…
Ownerships is thinking about firing Zimmer. REALLY, FIRE HIS ASS NOW. NO MORE TALKING HE HAS WASTED THE PLAYERS, FANS AND OTHER BETTER COACHES ON THE MARKET.
Zimmer needs to go…. Mannion should never have been the back up.
Zimmer will get fired but immediately becomes one of the best DC candidates on the market. He might be a average HC but he’s a excellent DC. JMO