Vikings fire head coach Mike Zimmer after eight years, 74-59-1 record

It wasn’t that much of a surprise after an 8-9 season in 2021, and with the team missing the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but the Minnesota Vikings’ choice to fire head coach Mike Zimmer after eight seasons leaves an obvious leadership void at the top of the organization. The parallel firing of general manager Rick Spielman makes that void even more obvious.

This morning we met with Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer to notify them we will be moving in a different direction at the general manager and head coach positions in 2022,” co-owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement.

“We appreciate Rick and Mike’s commitment to the team’s on-field success, their passion for making a positive impact in our community and their dedication to players, coaches and staff. While these decisions are not easy, we believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so we can consistently contend for championships. We wish both Rick and Mike and their families only the best.

“Our comprehensive search for a new general manager and head coach will begin immediately and will be led internally. We are determined to have sustained success and bring Vikings fans the Super Bowl championships they expect and deserve.”

Zimmer, who was hired in January, 2014 to replace Leslie Frazier, has long been regarded as one of the brightest minds and best secondary coaches of his era. But Minnesota’s defense, beset by injuries and bad personnel moves, had underperformed of late. And an offense featuring quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook, and receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen wasn’t everything it could be.

Zimmer finishes his Vikings tenure with a 72-56-1 regular-season record, and a 2-3 mark in the playoffs.

Spielman became the Vikings’ general manager in 2012 after a long stint as the team’s Vice President of Player Personnel.