Cowboys coordinator Mike Zimmer opens up on top defensive weapon Micah Parsons
The Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive roster was one of the biggest factors drawing Mike Zimmer back into NFL coaching this season. During his introductory press conference, the former Vikings head coach opened up about the unit’s top weapon, Micah Parsons. Parsons hit a career-high this season with 14 sacks and that number could go up even higher once Zimmer inserts his aggressive blitz schemes this offseason.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously he’s a terrific player,” Zimmer said this week of the three-time Pro Bowler. “You watch him on tape and he makes some unbelievably athletic plays.
“… I think one of the strengths that I’ve always had is to look at players and kind of have a vision for each player and then try to figure out how we can use them in the best way.”
Parsons, who dramatically increased his snaps on the defensive line after his rookie season, could play several different roles for Dallas next season. However, Zimmer wouldn’t divulge his exact plan to the media. He’s hoping to hash things out with the edge rusher first.
“One of the things I would hate to do right now is to tell you how I’m thinking about playing him without talking to him and letting him think, ‘OK, this is what we’re thinking about doing with you, Micah.’
“I don’t think shouldn’t tell you guys first before I tell him.”
Zimmer hires former Cowboys defensive end
The Cowboys added a former player to the coaching staff this week who will work directly with Micah Parsons. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer hired former defensive end Greg Ellis as assistant defensive line coach under defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina.
Ellis played for Zimmer in Dallas during the coordinator’s long stint from 1994-2006. A Wendell, North Carolina native, he attended UNC where he developed into a starter at defensive end. He went on to be the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round draft pick in 1998 at No. 8 overall.
In his career in Dallas, he started 155 of 162 games for the Cowboys over 11 seasons. After an Achilles injury sidelined him in 2006, Ellis returned in 2007, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He also received his first and only Pro Bowl nod in 2007.
Over his 11 seasons with the Cowboys, he notched 377 tackles, 77 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries. He also had four interceptions and two touchdowns off returns. After getting the axe due to salary cap limitations, Ellis played one season for the Oakland Raiders before retiring. He posted seven sacks in 14 games for the Raiders.