The Minnesota Vikings never got over the hump in the Mike Zimmer era, but that doesn’t mean the former eight-year head coach didn’t give the organization, team and fans everything he had.
After being named among the Black Monday firings, in a released statement, Zimmer took the time to be thankful and reflect on his time in Minnesota.
“I have given my heart and soul to this organization and the players. I have had outstanding assistant coaches who have worked tirelessly. I’m sorry we didn’t get it done. The fans make this place truly special,” said Zimmer. “On Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, it’s an unbelievable atmosphere. I’ll miss coaching the players, some who have been with me for all eight years. I want to thank the players who welcomed me in 2014 and believed in me that I could lead them to be great.”
There will obviously be some mixed opinions on Zimmer’s exit.
It’s no secret that he dealt with his fair share of adversity over the years that was completely beyond his control.
Losing former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, a first-round pick on the rise at the time, to a devastating knee injury in 2016 and former offensive coordinator Norv Turner walking out on him midway through the season of the same year are two of the biggest examples.
And then there were those eyebrow-raising comments from veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks on Monday. He put the ball in Zimmer’s court to speak on their relationship standing, and then he went to talk about how a “fear-based” culture isn’t the way to go about things.
Whatever anyone felt about Zimmer’s run as head coach is obviously in the rearview at this point, as the Vikings look to turn the page and start anew.
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