Mike Zimmer issues statement following being relieved of duties

The Monday after the end of the regular season in the NFL is a busy day for front offices and staff members. When the dust settles and playoff seeding is known, typically when teams who miss the playoffs decide whether or not to move on from members of their front office. And on Monday, the Minnesota Vikings elected to move on from their head coach Mike Zimmer.

After being let go by Minnesota, Zimmer sent out thank you letter to the fans, players, and his now-former organization. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed just what was in the former Vikings head coach letter.

“I have given my heart and soul to this organization and to the players. I have had outstanding assistant coaches who have worked tirelessly. I’m sorry we didn’t get it done,” wrote Zimmer.

Zimmer continued lamenting that he would miss the players on the team.
“I’ll miss coaching the players, some who have been with me for all eight years period I want to thank the players who welcomed me in 2014 and believed in me that I could lead them to be great.”

Zimmer has been the head coach of the Vikings since taking over in 2014 for Leslie Frazier. During his era, Minnesota made three playoff appearances in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Aside from those three seasons, the Vikings consistently found a way to come up short, finishing within one game of a .500 record the other five seasons.

The reason behind the Jim Harbaugh-to-the-NFL rumors

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and his potential interest in leaving the college ranks for a return to the NFL have been well-publicized over the last week. There could be very genuine interest there or, as Mike Florio reports, it could be a big ploy to get Harbaugh his next big contract.

The key to scoring the big deal for Harbaugh is how realistic his potential departure seems to the decision-makers at Michigan. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told reporters on Monday that he won’t be the man to take Jim Harbaugh away from Michigan. However, Florio says the two have been in discussions about a possible extension with the Wolverines. Ross is a Michigan alum and donor.

“Harbaugh is actively talking to the powers-that-be about a new contract,” Florio wrote. “It’s smart for Harbaugh. On the heels of his best year at Michigan, why not cash in? Especially if he can convince the school that he’s willing to cash out.”

The CFP semifinalist head coach received an extension to his contract in January of 2021 through 2025. His new contract actually reduced his salary while boosting his incentives. Harbaugh’s base salary in 2021 was $4.1 million.

Using open jobs with the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears could net Jim Harbaugh a pretty nice raise. His counterpart at Penn State, James Franklin, received a 10-year, $70 million deal after rumors swirled about his potential interest in LSU, USC or Miami.

Jim Harbaugh just wrapped up his seventh year at Michigan after taking over at his alma mater in 2015. In 14 seasons at the collegiate level, he has a 119-51 record, including a 61-24 mark with Michigan.

The Wolverines went 12-1 this year before losing to No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl last week.