Adam Zimmer has worked on the defensive side of the ball throughout his career, but the Bengals are bringing back their former assistant in a different capacity.
The recent Vikings defensive coordinator will work for the defending AFC champions as a senior offensive analyst, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). This will mark a return for the second-generation NFL coach. Zimmer, 38, spent the 2013 season as the Bengals’ assistant defensive backs coach, working in Cincinnati during the final year of Mike Zimmer‘s DC stay.
One of a few sons of former head coaches still active in the game, Adam Zimmer has been an NFL staffer above the quality-control level since he was 22. The Saints used him as their assistant linebackers coach to start Sean Payton‘s tenure in 2006, and he held that role through New Orleans’ Super Bowl-winning 2009 slate. The younger Zimmer has since worked for the Chiefs, Bengals and Vikings.
Mike Zimmer’s Minnesota hire naturally meant his son followed, and the longtime Vikings HC promoted his son from linebackers coach to DC in 2020. Adam Zimmer, however, shared that role with Andre Patterson. Although Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks developed into Pro Bowlers on Zimmer’s watch, his shot at the DC job did not go especially well. Injuries plagued the 2020 Vikings defense, which ended a run of quality defensive units in Minnesota, but the team also ranked 30th in total defense last season.
The Bengals also added Fredi Knighten to their offensive staff. Knighten, 28, will work as an offensive assistant. He has spent his career in the college ranks to this point and will come to Cincinnati after a year at Utah State.