The Dallas Cowboys surprised some people when it was announced they would be retaining heading coach Mike McCarthy. After another disappointing early exit from the postseason, becoming the first No. 2 seed to lose to a No. 7 seed in NFL history, many people thought McCarthy would be on the chopping block.
Alas, Jerry Jones ended up committing to him. In the midst of the most successful stretch since their dynasty in the mid-90s, at least in regular season success, McCarthy has earned the chance to stick around. But, the lack of playoff success will always keep him on at least a mildly warm seat.
Despite McCarthy coming back, the Cowboys did have some changes made to their coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was hired by the Washington Commanders to be their next head coach, leaving a major void.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Zimmer, Rex Ryan, Dan Quinn, Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys Updates
On Monday, that void was officially filled. The Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, to take over as their defensive coordinator.
“I’m excited and honored to be back with a great organization,” Zimmer told ESPN’s Ed Werder. “I’m thrilled to work with Mike McCarthy, for whom I have had a ton of respect in our NFC North days, and to do anything I can do to help the Joneses and the Cowboys.”
This is a hiring that has been rumored since last week. But, a wrench was thrown in those rumors when ESPN analyst and former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan shared an interesting update on Sunday.
“I’m not so sure Zimmer has that job right now. I’m not sure about that. I can honestly say I don’t believe that’s a fact right now,” Ryan said on “Postseason NFL Countdown” as he also talked to the Cowboys about the job.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that the Cowboys had reached back out to Ryan on Sunday about taking over as defensive coordinator. But, that speculation was put to rest when Zimmer signed his contract with the team on Monday.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Zimmer, Rex Ryan, Dan Quinn, Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys Updates
Zimmer is returning to a franchise that he knows very well. He worked with the Cowboys from 1994-2006, moving up the coaching ranks under two different head coaches; Dave Campo and Bill Parcells.
For eight seasons, Zimmer was the head coach of the Vikings. His teams went 74-59-1 during his tenure, making the postseason three times. He and McCarthy know each other rather well from facing off against each other in the NFC North rivalry between the Vikings and Green Bay Packers for years.
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