Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer returns to his roots with Dallas Cowboys
Before Mike Zimmer became the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, he held the same position for the Dallas Cowboys from 2000-06. Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Zimmer is now coming back in the NFL after a two-year hiatus, rejoining the Cowboys at his former post. Zimmer was Cincinnati's DC from 2008-13; six years […]
Before Mike Zimmer became the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, he held the same position for the Dallas Cowboys from 2000-06.
Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Zimmer is now coming back in the NFL after a two-year hiatus, rejoining the Cowboys at his former post.
Zimmer was Cincinnati's DC from 2008-13; six years that featured two AFC North titles and four playoff appearances thanks to four top-10 defenses in terms of points allowed. His creative pass rushing schemes helped kickstart the careers of Michael Johnson, Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, and many more critical Bengals defenders. He remains one of the best Bengals assistant coaches in recent memory.
After leaving the Bengals' defense better than how he found it, Zimmer earned an opportunity to be a head coach for the first time in his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Zimmer stayed with Minnesota for eight years, winning 72 regular season games and two in the postseason.
Zimmer was let go by the Vikings following the 2021 season, and had been out of the NFL until now. He interviewed with the Cowboys this week along with other legacy defensive minds such as Rex Ryan and Ron Rivera.
Dallas ultimately chose Zimmer, now 67 years old, to lead its defense once more, nearly 20 years after moving on from him.
The Bengals won't have to wait very long to play their former coordinator again. Cincinnati will travel to Dallas sometime during the upcoming 2024 season.
There will surely be sim pressures and twists awaiting them. What else could you expect from Zim?
Bengals legend continues to be disrespected for no good reason
It’s unexplainable.
