Report: Mike Zimmer interested in Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator job

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Mike Zimmer is “interested” in coming back to Dallas to be the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator. Zimmer did not have a job during the 2023 season, being a couple of years removed from being fired by the Vikings.

Now, if given the opportunity, he would get back into the NFL with Mike McCarthy.

“Former Vikings HC and Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer is interested in the current vacant Cowboys gig a person with knowledge of his thinking said,” Watkins said via X.

There is a history between Dallas and Zimmer, being on the coaching staff for the franchise’s last Super Bowl in 1995. At the time, he was just the defensive backs coach but was eventually promoted to defensive coordinator under Dave Campo. Even when Bill Parcells took over in 2003, Zimmer stayed on as the DC.

Zimmer was last in the NFL during the 2021 season but was fired by the Minnesota Vikings after eight seasons. Just three times did the Vikings make the playoffs, reaching the NFC Championship game in 2017 before losing to Philadelphia.

Replacing Dan Quinn is not going to be an easy task, especially with him across the division with the Washington Commanders. Dallas has set a high standard from a defensive standpoint, being one of the best units in the NFL under Quinn’s watch. Whoever takes over will have expectations to hit.

With all of the talent on the roster, it’s certainly an attractive job. Zimmer could make his return to the NFL in the near future and is interested in reuniting with some familiar people in Dallas.

Mike Zimmer not the only former head coach interested in Dallas DC job

Dallas was thought to be going with an internal hire, with Joe Whitt Jr. presumed to be a favorite to land the job. However, Mike McCarthy will reportedly still look from the outside.

According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys will interview Ron Rivera for the defensive coordinator job. Rivera was recently fired by Washington after four seasons. If he was hired by Dallas, he and Quinn would essentially be switching positions.

“Search for Dan Quinn’s replacement will include external candidates, 2 people w/ knowledge of today’s meetings said,” Moore said via X. “Ron Rivera slated for interview next week, 1 person said. Widening net means club could lose top internal candidate Joe Whitt Jr. to Washington.”