Mike Zimmer Leaves Bengals
By Matt Niehaus
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach Mike Zimmer prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer has left the Bengals to take over as the Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Zimmer interviewed for the job last week and again on Tuesday before being offered the job on Wednesday. This is the second coordinator from the Bengals to take a Head Coaching job in the last week as Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden took the Washington job.
Zimmer leaving Cincinnati was only a matter of time, he has long been mentioned as a coach that should get a shot. He has paid his dues, Zimmer has been the Bengals Defensive Coordinator since 2008. He has built the Bengals defense into one of the most feared in the NFL. Since 2009 the Bengals have fielded a top 10 defense each year, in 2009 they were the 4th best defense.
Off the field Zimmer has encountered more than one man should have to, his wife unexpectedly dying in 2009 completely caught Zimmer, his players and the city by surprise. The team and city rallied around Zimmer in what is one of the most heartwarming moments in recent Cincinnati history.
Now in Minnesota Zimmer takes over a team in complete disarray. Minnesota is a team without a quarterback, they have three on the roster but none of them are considered starters. The defense will lose Jared Allen this off season and the only bright light is Adrian Peterson. But Zimmer is considered a players coach and if anyone can rally the troops it is him.