Twitter: Mike Zimmer interested in DC job

[CT Dal Fan]

I'm not sure how picky we can be given the circumstances. Who wants to go to work for a company that might be going out of business like McCarthy? There's more of a chance of a total coaching house cleaning than not after 2024.

In Zimmer's case he might take the DC job knowing he could be first in line to replace McCarthy if things go bad in the playoffs again.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I would not mind this. Zimmer has always been a solid defensive coach. What happened in Minnesota near the end of his HC run there worries me but maybe having him concentrate on just the defensive side would help him.

I think it all finally took its toll and he needed a break. With everything he’s lost on the personal side and how his guys rallied around him I think it just took its toll. But he’s rested and probably looking to make his way back, and what better place than back in Dallas? Actually I really like this idea.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

I’m behind this. He’s a damn good defensive coach. Focuses on stopping the run first

And he sure as heck wont play 205 pound safeties at middle linebacker.

 

[Carson]

Key Scheme Elements of Zimmer's Defense

• 4-3 base scheme, frequent use of 4-2-5 nickel package in passing situations
• primarily press-man coverage
• extensive blitz variations, including signature double-A gap blitz formation, but does not blitz frequently
• Stop the run first mentality

Looking at these elements, most of them are not particularly unusual, and most are commonly used in NFL defenses. And yet, as Robert Klemko at SI.com pointed out a couple years ago:

"Zimmer’s defense isn’t your grandmother’s 4-3. It’s constantly evolving based on the personnel, and constantly trying to amp up pressure by creating mismatches with an array of stunts and bluffs...
They might load eight in the box, appearing to bring a heavy blitz, only to throw the quarterback a curveball by rushing the corner from the slot side and rotating a safety from his pre-snap blitz position to fill the vacancy. They might fake an inside blitz, leaving interior blockers searching for someone to hit while the quarterback gets rolled up by edge rushers"

 

[pansophy]

I have no idea what posters see in him.

We chased him out of town the last time he was here -- and his defense gave up multiple 200 yard games. Of course one could argue it is player selection that is the problem rather than coaching...

 

[jazzcat22]

No thanks. He was not all that good when he was here. Though they did not have the talent either.

 

[unionjack8]

Who would you want? Your answer might explain what we see in Zimmer

I dont want a has been retread.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Key Scheme Elements of Zimmer's Defense

• 4-3 base scheme, frequent use of 4-2-5 nickel package in passing situations
• primarily press-man coverage
• extensive blitz variations, including signature double-A gap blitz formation, but does not blitz frequently
• Stop the run first mentality

Looking at these elements, most of them are not particularly unusual, and most are commonly used in NFL defenses. And yet, as Robert Klemko at SI.com pointed out a couple years ago:

Looks like he could unleash Parsons. And with unusual pressure packages think of the pick opportunities for Diggs and Bland.......

 

[CTcowboy203]

not my first choice but I’m fine with it. This late in the game hard to get top choice and when u combine that with McCarthy’s contract situation it gets tougher. Zimmer has been out for 2 years but was a consultant with deion for a season so he’s been still up on current schemes.

He could probably piggy back that Deion relationship into the locker room to get some buy in from younger guys who don’t know him but get co- sign from sanders. Idk it’s a very jerry hire, someone he knows and trusts, a former head coach and there’s a relationship with McCarthy from their nfc north days.

 

[Carson]

No thanks. He was not all that good when he was here. Though they did not have the talent either.

Mike Zimmer's Track Record

Since Mike Zimmer first year as a Defensive Coordinator in 2000 with the Dallas Cowboys, here is his defensive track record in terms of league rankings in average yards per game allowed (YPG / A), average points per game allowed (PPG / A) and takeaways (TkA):

Year	Team	YPG / A	PPG / A	TkA
2000	Cowboys	19	22	20
2001	Cowboys	4	20	23
2002	Cowboys	18	13	11
2003	Cowboys	1	2	20
2004	Cowboys	16	27	25
2005	Cowboys	10	12	21
2006	Cowboys	13	20	8
2007	Falcons	29	29	17
2008	Bengals	12	19	17
2009	Bengals	4	6	19
2010	Bengals	15	24	17
2011	Bengals	7	9	22
2012	Bengals	6	8	8
2013	Bengals	3	5	3
2014	Vikings	14	11	25

Source: Pro Football Reference

 

[CT Dal Fan]

No thanks. He was not all that good when he was here. Though they did not have the talent either.

What? Zimmer's defenses here were always solid, even when the cap issues of the late 90's and early 2000's stripped the roster bare.

 

[Risen Star]

There's not a coach on the planet that doesn't want to be here.

 

[jazzcat22]

What? Zimmer's defenses here were always solid, even when the cap issues of the late 90's and early 2000's stripped the roster bare.

Not how I remember it.

 

[GMO415]

This sounds like a bad rerun. No thanks,

 

[CT Dal Fan]

There's not a coach on the planet that doesn't want to be here.

Maybe some not even on this planet too.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

This sounds like a bad rerun. No thanks,

McCarthy is returning so the bad rerun has already started. Quinn would have been back too if the Commanders didn't run out of options.

So why not bring back Zimmer?

 

[Carson]

This sounds like a bad rerun. No thanks,

It looks like whoever we sign is going to be a retread.

Realistically you’re looking at Rivera, Zimmer etc

Vrabel, Bill etc aren’t options.

We just need a coach to stop the run, keep this defense 8-15 and let the offense do their thing

 

[DB_Cooper]

Might not be a bad option with a lame duck head coach.

 

[Big D]

Of course he is!

 

[LysleE]

Dallas and their fascination with retread coaches; unfortunately, no coach worth having, who would bring fresh ideas all while holding players accountable is going to be willing to work with Jerry’s meddling ways, so let’s be prepared for an uninspiring hire and listen to the Dallas FO congratulate themselves in hiring the second-coming of Buddy Ryan.
DQ’s absence is providing an opportunity for Jerry to put his money where is mouth is with respect to going “all in” for 2024.