One of the more interesting aspects of the 2024 debacle was the fallout of losing Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator. Quinn had been sought after since pretty much the moment he was hired in Dallas as his impact on the Cowboys‘ defense was quick and obvious. Thanks to the addition of first-round phenom Micah Parsons, Quinn’s approach was run by top-tier young talent, which highlighted his approach and ability to direct.
Quinn both passed up on and was passed over for several vacancies he interviewed for across 2022 and 2023, but with things looking ready to implode in Dallas he finally moved on, joining Washington. The problem was, the Mike McCarthy coaching staff he left behind had seemingly worn out their lifelines and were only signed for 2024. That, among several other factors, led to the hiring of Mike Zimmer to a one-year deal to take over the defense.
It’s been long assumed that Zimmer’s fate would be part and parcel with McCarthy’s. If the Cowboys met the edict and advanced to an acceptable postseason point, the staff as a whole would see new contracts, including Zimmer.
With the way the season started, t was pretty clear the main cogs in the coaching staff would all be clearing out their offices. Dallas was horrible on both offense and defense, the team looked disinterested and seemed to be playing out the string by October.
But a funny thing has happened since that point. While lip service is being paid to the possibility McCarthy could get a new deal, that likely isn’t happening. But Zimmer on the other hand, that’s becoming more intriguing week by week.
Those in the know wondered allowed how likely it would be for the defensive roster to catch what Zimmer was pitching. His coverage plan is known to be complicated and it normally takes a year before dividends are fully realized.
But the way the Dallas defense has caught on in the last half of 2024 should open up the possibility Zimmer returning is a consideration for the next head coach.
This becomes even more enticing when thinking about adding one of the young offensive coordinator hot shots most fans would like to see succeed McCarthy.
Going from coordinator to head coach is a big step up in responsibility, and normally those types of hires are paired with former head coaches whose specialty is on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.
It allows that head coach as close to autonomy as possible and lessens the burden on the young coach to focus on one side of the ball and have a sounding board to help guide them on the administrative side of being head coach.
If the Dallas defense closes out these final three games in strong fashion, Zimmer would be the perfect candidate for that type of role. He spent eight seasons at the helm in Minnesota.
At 69 years old by the start of next season, Zimmer probably isn’t going to be a consideration for a head coaching gig again, and he can spend his last few years in the league coaching in a city that’s home to him.
There of course should be a fit with whomever gets the head coaching gig. If it is a young gun such as Joe Brady, Ben Johnson, Ben Slowik or several other possibilities, they need to mesh well with whomever will be in charge of their defense.
Just kidding, this is Jerry Jones’ team. He would have zero problem forcing Zimmer on a head coach if he deemed that the way to go. The young coaches should be hot commodities though, with options, although Dallas is likely to be the most attractive roster destination this offseason.