It was learned yesterday that Mike McCarthy will not remain in place as the Cowboys’ head coach. As the team’s search for his replacement begins, questions about his staff will be raised. 
The name garnering the most attention at this point is defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The 68-year-old returned to Dallas this past offseason after Dan Quinn departed to become the Commanders’ head coach. Zimmer held the role of DC for the Cowboys from 2000-06, and his decision to again serve in that role met the team’s desire for a veteran coordinator.
Last month, owner Jerry Jones acknowledged he essentially viewed McCarthy and Zimmer as a package deal. Given the uncertainty surrounding the former at the time, questions have lingered regarding the latter since yesterday’s news. Nothing final has been decided in Zimmer’s case at this point, but a Monday report noted he has given thought to retirement.
On Tuesday, Zimmer informed Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that “all options are on the table” with respect to his future. Each of McCarthy’s now ex-assistants are free to speak with interested teams at any time, and it will be interesting to see if he has a market for a different coordinator gig. Whether or not a position in Dallas will be available for 2025 will of course be tied to the team’s next head coach. The Cowboys are one of five teams seeking out a HC hire, something Zimmer has experience with.
The former Vikings head coach said he is open to another chance to lead an NFL team, although at the time he noted his uncertainty in such a possibility arising. Still, Zimmer told Pelissero he “really enjoys” coaching, so it would not come as a surprise if he showed interest in continuing his career. Over his tenure in Minnesota, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, reaching double-digit wins in a season three times. Given his experience, Zimmer could also receive looks for a defensive coordinator position if the Bengals, Colts or Falcons were to show interest. In any case, his future will be one of the interesting storylines to follow as the 2025 coaching landscape takes shape.
Duh. The coach just left. What new head coach would take that job if they can’t bring in their own coordinators?!?!?!? What a circus over there.
Especially when that DC took a defense that was 5th in points allowed and dropped them down to 2nd worst in the league. Personnel changes are one thing but Zimmer’s defense gave up almost ten more points per game than Quinn’s did in 2023. If McCarthy was coming back, maybe you bring back Zimmer but with McCarthy gone it’s a no-brainer to move on from Zim.
Plus he came across as a jerk when he was the HC in Minny.
@arty: I totally agree. Not sure how much effect it has on his coaching abilities but man, what a jerk.
To be fair, there were a ton of injuries on defense, especially some very key players and some of them for most of the season. Once the players bought into his system and philosophy, for the most part they were pretty good. The last game was an anomaly also because Lance – despite a few nice plays – pretty much sucked. It’s difficult to play hard and with passion when you’re out of the playoffs, it’s the last game of the season, and the offense can’t score points.
Bengals would be awesome. He might strike lightning twice.
He definitely was a good coordinator the first go around. Fans loved him too, so it would be a win win. Only draw back is Zac Taylor likes to believe he’s the best thing going and may not like Zim and his more extensive experience staring at him across the table every day.
Have you seen his new girlfriend?!? I don’t blame him for taking time off!