The Minnesota Vikings filled their head coaching vacancy on Mike Zimmer, hiring Zimmer as the ninth head coach in team history, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Mike Zimmer hired as Vikings head coach, per report
Minnesota has a new head coach with Mike Zimmer tabbed to replace Leslie Frazier.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Zimmer will replace Leslie Frazier, who was fired after a 5-10-1 season. One of the biggest tasks will be finding a starting quarterback. Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman all started at least once for Minnesota last season. The Vikings do have some offensive weapons, led by Adrian Peterson. To add to the former MVP running back, Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings give the Vikings a solid set of skill players.
In addition to settling on a starting quarterback, fixing the defense will be a top priority in 2014. Minnesota finished 31st in yards allowed and dead last in points allowed last season. That was a drastic drop from the previous season when Minnesota finished 14th in points allowed.
This is where Zimmer’s expertise should come into play. The newly minted head coach comes over from the Cincinnati Bengals where he was the defensive coordinator for the past six seasons. Zimmer molded one of the best units in football, helping Cincinnati make the playoffs the last three years.
Despite the down season, Minnesota is a year removed from a playoff appearance and has talent in place on both sides of the ball. With a strong offseason, the Vikings could be a potential playoff contender next season. The Vikings have struggled to become a consistent contender since Dennis Green era. Minnesota made the playoffs four times since 2001 with only Brad Childress coaching Minnesota to multiple playoff berths. Zimmer is the fourth different head coach in the last decade, joining Frazier, Childress and Mike Tice.
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