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The Cowboys reached an agreement Monday with Mike Zimmer to make the former Minnesota Vikings coach Dallas’ new defensive coordinator.
“I’m excited and honored to be back with a great organization,” Zimmer told ESPN’s Ed Werder. “I’m delighted to be working with Mike McCarthy, for whom I have had great respect in our days in the NFC North, and to do everything he can to help the Joneses and the Cowboys.”
A source confirmed to ESPN last week that Zimmer was expected to be hired as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. But ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, who had spoken to the team about the job, said on ESPN’s “Postseason NFL Countdown” on Sunday: “I’m not so sure Zimmer has that job right now. I’m not sure “I can honestly say that I don’t think that’s a fact at this point.”
And on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys had contacted Ryan on Sunday about the position.
However, Zimmer and the Cowboys agreed to contract terms Monday afternoon. He replaces Dan Quinn, who was hired last week as the Washington Commanders’ new coach after a three-year run as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.
Zimmer, 67, was an assistant coach for the Cowboys from 1994 to 2006, starting as a defensive assistant, moving to defensive backs in 1995 (the last season in which Dallas won a Super Bowl) and serving as coordinator from 2000 to 2006 under the Dallas address. two different head coaches, Dave Campo (2000-02) and Bill Parcells (2003-06).
From 2014 to 2021, Zimmer was head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, compiling a record of 74-59-1 that included three playoff appearances. His time in the NFC North made him more familiar with McCarthy, then coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Zimmer is the third defensive coordinator McCarthy will have in five seasons. Mike Nolan took over the job in 2020, but was replaced by Quinn after the Cowboys gave up a franchise-record 473 points. Quinn oversaw a defense that led the NFL in wins in 2021 and 2022, while helping the Cowboys to three straight 12-5 seasons and three trips to the playoffs.
ESPN’s Todd Archer contributed to this report.