NFL
Minnesota Vikings sack coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman
Minnesota Vikings sack coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman
- Vikings
-
SportsWriters
On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman after eight seasons. The move came one day after a season-ending 31-17 win over the Chicago Bears.
This was the first time in which the organization has removed the top two positions in football leadership since co-owners Zygi and Mark Wilf gained ownership of the team back in 2005.
The Vikings are expected to begin their search for a new general manager and head coach. However, Wilf refused to acknowledge that Minnesota is currently a less competitive team and did not see the importance of rebuilding the team.
“I don’t want to get into a full rebuild conversation,” Wilf said. “Our point is we have high expectations for this football team. We believe we can be super competitive right here in 2022. This is not in that mode of a full rebuild. Again, we believe we have a strong, strong foundation here on the field and around the building. I wouldn’t classify it as that.
“Again, we looked at our football team in its entirety,” he continued. “As difficult as a decision as it was, we feel it’s the time and place to go in a different direction and get us to the next level, which is where we all want to be.”
Social comments
New man on the Minnesota Vikings Truth hurts, needed something more exciting
Zimmer deserved better. He knew he was screwed when Spielman did the Kirk Cousins deal.
The Vikings have needed a passing O-line since Ponder, glad to see the GM gone.
And they *won* the game. Imagine how bad us bears fans have it
I feel so bad for Zimmer. He's a legitimately better coach than what his tenure in Minnesota showed. I think Spielman was the real issue, so at least they're addressing that. It just feels like Zimmer was given a shit hand to work with and still had a lot of success with it. Crazy to think how this team turns out if they don't back up the Brinks truck for a mediocre quarterback.
Do the Broncos next!
"The interview process that led to DeFilippo was one Zimmer grew to regret. He didn’t fully realize, despite the interview, that DeFilippo was going to run a shotgun, pass-heavy offense that was so contrary to what had led to Cousins’ previous success in Washington. Zimmer grew furious with the game plan and fumed after a loss in New England about how frequently they threw against light boxes, telling one coach they could’ve rushed for 200 yards that night. Instead, they finished with 95 rushing yards and only 10 points." Uhhhh....
Cousins has to be next
Vikings fire coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman following losing season: reports
Zimmer is a great defense coach.. i hope he get a gig soon. they stuck with Cousins drives me nuts...