Mike Zimmer's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Mike Zimmer is a football coach known for his intense passion, unwavering commitment to excellence, and his ability to transform struggling teams into championship contenders. With his signature gravelly voice and no-nonsense approach, Zimmer is a formidable presence on the sidelines, demanding nothing less than the best from his players. As the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Zimmer has built a reputation as one of the league's top defensive minds, consistently fielding a formidable unit that strikes fear into opposing offenses.

Born on June 5, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois, Zimmer was destined to be a football coach. Raised in a football-loving family, Zimmer followed in the footsteps of his father, Bill Zimmer, who was a high school football coach. The lessons learned from his father about discipline, hard work, and the importance of preparation stuck with Zimmer throughout his career.

Zimmer's coaching journey began in 1979 as a graduate assistant at the University of Missouri. From there, he worked his way up the coaching ranks, honing his defensive expertise along the way. His big break came in 1994 when he joined the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive backs coach. Under the tutelage of legendary head coach Jimmy Johnson and defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, Zimmer flourished, helping the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX.

After achieving success in Dallas, Zimmer went on to become the defensive coordinator for various NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals. It was during his tenure with the Bengals from 2008 to 2013 that Zimmer's defensive genius truly shone. He transformed the Bengals' defense from one of the worst in the league to an elite unit, consistently ranking among the top in the NFL in various defensive categories.

In 2014, Zimmer was named the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, a team desperately in need of a turnaround. Zimmer didn't disappoint. His commitment to defensive excellence quickly became the identity of the Vikings. Known for his aggressive play-calling and complex defensive schemes, Zimmer's defense routinely stifles opposing offenses, leaving them baffled and frustrated.

Under Zimmer's leadership, the Vikings have enjoyed considerable success. In the 2017 season, the team posted a remarkable 13-3 regular-season record, earning them the top seed in the NFC. While their playoff run that year ultimately fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, Zimmer's impact on the team was undeniable. His relentless pursuit of perfection and his ability to rally his players around a common goal are qualities that make him a truly exceptional coach.

Beyond his defensive expertise, Zimmer is also revered for his no-nonsense, straight-talking style. In an era where coaches often sugarcoat their criticism or shy away from accountability, Zimmer is refreshingly honest and direct. He holds his players accountable for their mistakes but isn't afraid to give credit where it's due. His transparency and authenticity have fostered a culture of trust and respect within the Vikings' locker room, where players know exactly where they stand.

Off the field, Zimmer has faced his share of adversities. In 2014, just days before his first season as the Vikings' head coach, Zimmer's wife, Vikki, unexpectedly passed away. The tragedy took a toll on Zimmer, but he channeled his grief into his work, using coaching as a form of therapy. Zimmer's dedication and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to his players and coaches alike, reminding them of the importance of perseverance and resilience.

Mike Zimmer's impact on the game of football extends far beyond his coaching accomplishments. His defensive genius, unwavering commitment to excellence, and unyielding passion make him one of the most respected and feared coaches in the NFL. As he continues to lead the Minnesota Vikings into battle, Zimmer's legacy as a transformative and extraordinary coach is cemented, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loves.