DALLAS COWBOYSCowboys hire former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator, report saysMichael Middlehurst SchwartzUSA TODAYThe Dallas Cowboys are turning to another former NFL head coach to lead the defense on Mike McCarthy’s staff.The Cowboys are expected to hire former Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.Zimmer, 67, would succeed Dan Quinn, who was officially named head coach of the Washington Commanders last week. Zimmer served as the Vikings’ head coach from 2014 to 2021, leading the team to three playoff appearances while compiling a 72-56-1 record. He began his NFL coaching career in 1994 as an assistant with the Cowboys. After coaching defensive backs for three seasons, he served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2006. In Dallas, he would become a star. defense that included two Defensive Player of the Year finalists, passer Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland, who set the NFL record for pick-sixes this season with five pick-sixes. SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.Quinn’s defense was known for creating takeaways and big plays. His units have finished fifth in points allowed in each of the last two years. However, Dallas’ 2023 season ended with a 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round.According to multiple reports, the Cowboys have also interviewed former Commanders coach Ron Rivera and New York Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel for the defensive coordinator role. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed Thursday that the team also spoke with former Jets and Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan about the position.
