Rick Spielman joining Jets’ front office

Rick Spielman, the Minnesota Vikings GM from 2012 to 2022, was hired by the Jets on Thursday to be their senior football adviser. This comes on the heels of New York hiring a new head coach and GM last month, which Spielman helped make happen.

The #Jets are hiring former #Vikings GM Rick Spielman as a senior advisor in their front office.

Spielman was part of the @The33rdTeamFB search committee that helped find HC Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey—and now he’s joining the organization as well. pic.twitter.com/37yjn8VPza

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2025

Spielman was part of The 33rd Team, a company the Jets hired to find and evaluate candidates during their search. Alongside former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, Spielman interviewed 31 candidates for both positions. The committee landed on Aaron Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as GM. Glenn was previously the defensive coordinator for the Lions, while Mougey was the assistant GM for the Broncos.

In his role, Spielman will mostly be working remotely as a sounding board for the new regime. On his podcast “With the First Pick,” Spielman explained that Glenn and Mougey will obviously have the final decision when it comes to transactions. He will just be there to assist the relatively inexperienced front office.

Related: Jaguars Hire Vikings Rising Assistant as New Offensive Coordinator

Last offseason, Spielman helped lead a similar head coach/GM search for the Washington Commanders. That seemed to work well, as they ultimately landed on Adam Peters as GM, who drafted franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. They paired him with head coach Dan Quinn, who led them to their first NFC Championship Game since 1992.

Spielman’s history as a Minnesota Viking

This will be Rick Spielman’s first NFL job since being fired by the Minnesota Vikings following the 2021 season. As a member of the front office since 2006 and as GM starting in 2012, he was an integral part of the Vikings’ past, present and future.

Starting in 2007, Spielman and co. drafted Adrian Peterson, who became the franchise leader in rushing and won a league MVP. Two years later, he helped draft Percy Harvin. Two years after that came Kyle Rudolph. Both players had Pro Bowl seasons in Minnesota.

In his first year as GM, Spielman hit a home run drafting Harrison Smith. A six-time Pro Bowler and former first-team All-Pro, Smith has been an important cog in the Vikings defense all 13 years of his career. Spielman also drafted fan favorites like Teddy Bridgewater, Eric Kendricks, Stefon Diggs and Dalvin Cook. His success in the draft is obvious.

Even today, his picks are coming to fruition. Spielman drafted Justin Jefferson in 2020, and he has flourished into the Minnesota Vikings’ superstar. He also took Christian Darrisaw in 2021, who has turned into one of the better tackles in the league.

Related: Could a Darnold for Stafford Swap be an Option for Vikings?

The success in the draft, however, was marred by struggles in free agency and a strained relationship with head coach Mike Zimmer. The Vikings were never able to sustain wins in the playoffs (if they could make it there), and quarterback Kirk Cousins did not end up being the answer. When Zimmer and Spielman had a falling out, Minnesota decided to let them both go in 2022.

The entire organization has found a way to reach new lows. Changes have already taken place this season, but owner Woody Johnson is still needs a general manager. The way in which he intends to hire his next one is… unique?

After firing former GM Joe Douglas, the Jets have decided they need to contract out the hiring of their next general manager and head coach. They won’t go with the classic “search firm”, though. That’s too old school.

Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman gets an odd gig for the Jets

Instead, they are contracting the analytically based football website “The 33rd Team”, which was co-founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, to find the next leader of their front office. Oh, and heading the search with Tannenbaum is former Minnesota Vikings president of football operations, Mike Zimmer.

Jets are retaining The 33rd Team to support them on their upcoming general manager and head coaching searches.

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will lead the project for the NFL Technology and Media company. The 33rd Team… pic.twitter.com/NfRwDt39cA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2024

Spielman ran the the Minnesota Vikings for, with one title or another, for 15 years. He did some things really well, which is why he stayed in charge so long. In the end, the Wilf family moved on because Spielman and Zimmer’s relationship deteriorated to an untenable level.

Ownership saw a need to completely overhaul the football operations and development staff, which is what they did in hiring Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. How does this happen?

Related: Vikings Executive Floated as Candidate for GM Job He May Not Want

The New York Jets are worth nearly $7 billion. Seriously, how did the best option in this process become hiring two retread front office executives to lead a GM and head coach search that they really have no business running?

It remains to be seen where the New York Jets will land when the dust settles. No matter what, you can bet that Rodgers and a handful of his Packers cronies will be out on the street when the calendar turns to 2025.

Of those three head coaches, Mike Zimmer was the most successful at turning one of the worst defenses in the NFL, into a juggernaut. Zimmer also led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game during the 2017-18 NFL season.

Rick Spielman signs Quarterback Kirk Cousins

Coming off a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game after the 2017-18 season, the Vikings believed they were a quarterback away from contending for a Super Bowl.

In March 2018, Spielman made one of the biggest splashes in Vikings history signing former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins to an unprecedented three-year $84 million fully guaranteed contract. The first in NFL history, at the time.

Kirk Cousins' new contract contains the most fully guaranteed money in the NFL ($84 million)

The next-closest current deal contains $60.5 million guaranteed (Matthew Stafford)@Vikings pic.twitter.com/8zZ9UZpGPO

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 15, 2018

Although this was unprecedented at the time, behind the scenes, this is likely when the Spielman and Zimmer relationship started to breakdown. It has been reported that Zimmer never wanted to sign Cousins to that amount of money, and that he wanted to spend that money on the defensive side of the ball. Regardless of what Zimmer wanted, Spielman went ahead and signed Cousins.

Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer “hated each other”

Kyle Sloter, a former Vikings QB, had a couple of stints in Minnesota from 2017-2022. Although he never took a snap in a regular season or postseason game for any team, he did recently appear on the Onebar & Lupagus Show and revealed some insider drama regarding the Spielman and Zimmer relationship.

Related: NFL Draft Analyst Believes J.J. McCarthy Can (and Will) Start for Vikings in Week 1

According to Sloter, Spielman really liked him while Zimmer didn’t during his initial stint with Minnesota from 2017-2019. While the 2021-22 season was spiraling downwards, Spielman and Zimmer seemed to both know that the writing was on the wall for their tenures in Minnesota, and as one last “F*** you to Zimmer”, Spielman brought Sloter back in December 28, 2021. Sloter was later released a few days later on January 3, 2022.

“Spielman really liked me. Zimmer and Spielman hated each other, so Zimmer hated me. They both knew they were getting fired, so when they needed a QB, it was a last F you to Zimmer.”

Kyle Sloter via The Onebar & Lupagus Show

Kyle Sloter on the relationship between Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman:

“Spielman really liked me. Zimmer and Spielman hated each other, so Zimmer hated me. They both knew they were getting fired, so when they needed a QB, it was a last F you to Zimmer.”

(@Matt_Falk) pic.twitter.com/SSWrH0LerL

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) May 9, 2024

Out with the old, in with the new Minnesota Vikings

Overall, we’ll never really know if this is fully true or not. However, coming from a former Vikings player, their definitely could be some truth to this dysfunctional relationship between Spielman and Zimmer. Sloter isn’t the only former player to hint at this.

True or not, the Vikings relieved Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman of their duties following the 2021-22 season. A few weeks later, the Minnesota Vikings hired current General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.

Related: JJ McCarthy Takes Part in First Vikings Practice, Followed by Impressive Media Session

The Vikings still have yet to win that elusive first Super Bowl, however, having a head coach and general manager that collaborate effectively with one another is vital for the success of the organization. Good thing for the Vikings is that Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell seem to have the opposite type of relationship as Spielman and Zimmer.

Let’s hope that continues on for a very long time.

We’ve already seen the many quotes and stories that have come out against Mike Zimmer‘s dictatorial, hellish reign as head coach. Just last week, Zim’s old buddy, Terrance Newman, did an interview with GoLong.com and literally referred to Mike Zimmer as “Satan”. Newman didn’t even feel the need to hide behind “anonymous sources”. Zim’s tenure in Minnesota is turning into the football version of Tom Thibodeau’s, maybe worse…

Molten hot takes on the end of the Zimmer era in @TyDunne’s excellent longform article at Go Long (subscribe!): https://t.co/rbsZ9oE4jV

Not just anonymous players but a former coordinator (“Satan”), assistant (“unstable”), ex-coach (“hated” Cousins) and Terrance Newman himself. pic.twitter.com/wiN5ls6U1i

— Krauser (@Krauserrific) September 2, 2022

After the game, players were telling anybody willing to listen. They played better on Sunday because of new leadership. Their newfound confidence comes from the good vibes rolling through TCO Performance Center. Any success in 2022 stems back to Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah replacing Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman.

Cousins, JJ, Thielen all point to new leadership

Take Kirk Cousins, who may have gotten the shortest end of the stick during Zimmer’s occupation, for example. He schemed up a plan, as the game clock was ticking down on Sunday, to show his appreciation for O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah.

So, he walked over to the Wilfs and asked if he could present his new head coach and general manager with game balls in the locker room. They were in. About 30 minutes later, we got this behind-the-scenes look at what an appreciative Kirk Cousins looks like.

For Kevin + Kwesi ???????? pic.twitter.com/DrmoJQFStd

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 12, 2022

Kirk wasn’t the only player who was thankful on Sunday though. After the game, Justin Jefferson warned the rest of the league, both on the field and back in the locker room, that this is a new team, under new leadership. And everyone should take notice.

On Monday morning, Adam Thielen got on KFAN radio and reiterated, yet again, that the change in leadership is the difference with the 2022 Minnesota Vikings. I thought the anti-Zimmer steam would slow as the season got started. But his former players are intent on reminding everybody. Mike Zimmer was the problem. And now that the problem is gone, watch out.

Adam Thielen on #Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, via KFAN:

“What he’s really shown is his leadership, and holding himself accountable. He’s talked to us about things he could do better. He wants to be a great GM but a great person as well. You really appreciate that as a player.”

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 12, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Spielman would hold a press conferences or two every season and the media would flood into the room to hang on every word falling from his mouth. Afterward, he’d hear his voice on KFAN, see his face on the front page of the Star Tribune. Social media detectives would pick apart every sentence like there was a code to be found in-between.

RickTok

Now, just 12 months later, Rick Spielman’s draft prowess has been relegated to his new TikTok account, which has 1,719 followers at the writing of this blog. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

@rickspielman Insight into who I think are the two most explosive wide receivers in this years draft! #nfl#nfldraft#widereciever#verticlejump#playmakers#alabama#ohiost ♬ original sound – Rick Spielman

@rickspielman Why teams do not traditionally trade players during the @nfl Draft #nfl#nfldraft#trades#ontheclock ♬ original sound – Rick Spielman

Rick Spielman adventuring out and trying new things is a commendable quality. But I can’t help but wonder why he’s doing these videos on his own TikTok account and not on one of the many cable sports channels on my TV, or even already well-established online outlets. Maybe this is the way he wants to do things… but that feels unlikely. Did all of those sit downs with various media outlets, after his firing, not lead to a job offer?

Internet Advice

If Rick wants to get a few more views on these videos, he should invite his friend Mike Zimmer for a TikTok RickTok sit down. I know you’re new to the game, Mr. Spielman, but this isn’t TCO Performance Center anymore. The internet is a cut-throat world and views are hard to come by. Getting the first “on the record” interview with Zimmer, since his firing, could be the exact boost your TikTok needs and could show potential employers you’re serious about this media thing.

The other 10 minutes of our draft conversation: https://t.co/9NM6tdhi6S

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 28, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Instead of feeding desperate fans and hungry media members digging for insight into his demise, Zim has let everyone else — who he was once surrounded by — do the talking. And talking they have certainly done. Unfortunately for Mike, their many words haven’t shined a positive light on his coaching tenure.

Just hours after he was let go, Vikings players subliminally went after their former head coach. Then Rick Spielman, the general manager who was let go the same morning as Zimmer, piled on shortly after.

This answer from Rick Spielman is VERY VERY telling…. pic.twitter.com/ttQC7JxXb6

— Vikings Central (@VikesCentral) January 27, 2022

Eric Kendricks with some notable comments on the Vikings of late under Mike Zimmer.

Kendricks said there were “some things that were left out there as far as our relationship.” Later he added, “I don’t think a fear-based organization is the way to go.”

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) January 10, 2022

Shots Fired at Mike Zimmer (Again)

Now, it’s (anonymous) former assistant coaches and executives who seem intent on sinking Mike Zimmer’s once-proud coaching reputation. Sources tell Chad Graff (The Athletic) that Zimmer had become known for putting Kirk Cousins down during coaches meetings last season.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Zimmer spent part of his last few weeks as Vikings head coach bemoaning the team’s situation at quarterback.

The veteran defensive guru had made more of an effort to get the best out of Kirk Cousins in 2021, conducting weekly meetings with the quarterback for the first time in their four years together. But toward the end, it became clear to those within the building that the head coach-quarterback relationship hadn’t blossomed the way many had hoped it would before the season, according to sources.

Zimmer complained openly in coaching meetings about Cousins, and some of Zimmer’s top lieutenants echoed the sentiment. Zimmer didn’t feel the quarterback made enough “winning plays,” that he didn’t take the necessary shots to help lead the Vikings to victory, and that he didn’t elevate his teammates.

But that view wasn’t shared by everyone. Some, especially in the front office, thought Zimmer didn’t handle the situation well. They acknowledged to Zimmer that Cousins isn’t a perfect quarterback but felt Zimmer’s job as head coach was to get the most out of the quarterback — and undercutting his play in coaching meetings didn’t help.

Chad Graff – The Athletic

Zimmer vs The World

In reality, the report above isn’t news. We knew Mike Zimmer had become frustrated with Kirk Cousins. And knowing Zim, wouldn’t you expect him to speak openly in coaches meetings. I mean, that’s what you’d want, right? We’re talking about a guy who struggles to tip-toe around questions from media, let alone hide his true feelings from other coaches? Of course not.

But what intrigues me about Graff’s reporting, is the willingness of Zimmer’s former co-workers to continually throw him under the bus. Mike Zimmer coached in this town for a long time and his regime was highly respected for most of that tenure. But outside of his girlfriend, there doesn’t appear to be anyone coming to his defense.

I can’t imagine Zimmer stays silent much longer, though. He wasn’t afraid of publicly criticizing players while coaching the Minnesota Vikings. So when he eventually gives that first interview, there’s a 100% chance it comes in a scorched earth variety.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Instead, we got what those in the media business call “money quotes” from all pro linebacker Eric Kendricks about a possible fear-based culture growing inside of TCO Performance Center under the Spielman/Zimmer regime. Comments from Brian O’Neill, the team’s best offensive lineman, weren’t any better.

#Vikings LB Eric Kendricks on moving forward: "I think just having that voice, no matter how big your role is, is important, to listen up and take each other's feelings into account. I don't think a fear-based organization is the way to go."

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 10, 2022

Eric Kendricks on his relationship with Mike Zimmer. Sounds like things weren't perfect.

"I feel like there were some things left out there, as far as our relationship was concerned. That's something you have to ask him."

— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) January 10, 2022

A lot has been said from Mark Wilf, players about 'collaboration' between players/coaches and the culture within the Vikings needing to change. Brian O'Neill addressed what that looks like, which to me sounds like players – especially young ones – needing to be empowered. pic.twitter.com/DbNmIhas08

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 10, 2022

There’s a lot to unpack here but it becomes clear in these quotes that Vikings players were ready to move on from the Spielman/Zimmer era. You know the Wilf family made the correct call when, afterward, two of your best and brightest players on each side of the field are calling for a culture change this blatantly.

Kirk Cousins, your thoughts?

Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, didn’t participate in any media sessions on Monday. And when he did sit in front of reporters after the win vs Chicago, Cousins refused to answer questions about Zimmer’s future or whether he wanted him back as a coach next season.

Let’s be real, if Kirk and Mike weren’t friends before the 2021-22 season then they certainly weren’t doing karate in the garage after Zimmer helped make Cousins public enemy #1 to media members and fans across the world who want to blame the unvaccinated population for all of this world’s problems. But Kirk, as always, played week 18’s postgame presser in a professional manner and that’s why he didn’t answer when asked his opinion on Zimmer’s future in purple.

Kirk Cousins did, however, talk about Justin Jefferson and his race to break Randy Moss’ single-season receiving record. He told media that the two of them talked about the record all week. While he knew JJ would handle coming up short in a professional manner, both were aiming for it. Earlier in the round of press conferences, Zimmer told media he didn’t care whether Jefferson broke Moss’ record.

#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins declines to answer when asked if he wants Mike Zimmer back and says: "The noise may be loud for your guys" regarding rumors on Zimmer's future.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 9, 2022

Kirk Cousins said he talked to JJ all week about trying to break Moss’ record.

Mike Zimmer said earlier he has no interest in individual records, only wins.

— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) January 9, 2022

Culture Problem

In hindsight, we shouldn’t be shocked that the 2021-22 Minnesota Vikings had a culture problem. We should have seen the divide when Mike Zimmer was chastising his unvaccinated players, most of which were locker room leaders. But as fans, it’s easy to put your blinders on in hopes that your team will contend. For media, it’s difficult to push negative headlines on a coach who is pushing vaccinations like no other coach in the NFL.

But now we know. The Vikings had a culture problem and needed a change at the top. Hopefully the organization is equipped and competent enough to pick the right leaders going forward. While the Wilf reign has been rather successful, they haven’t embarked on anything like this.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

First reported by Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), the Vikings are on a hunt for new leadership. For what it’s worth, the tweet regarding Spielman’s firing came first.

The #Vikings fired GM Rick Spielman, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

The #Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer, per sources.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

Mike Zimmer lead the Minnesota Vikings for EIGHT seasons and finished with a record of 72-56-1. He holds the 3rd most wins as a head coach in franchise history and the 3rd best winning percentage (.562). He trails just Bud Grant and Dennis Green in both category.

Goodbye Rick Spielman

The firing of Rick Spielman was a bit more surprising, given it was reported on Friday that he would be kept on and possibly reassigned within the organization. The Wilfs have built a lot of trust up in him over the 15+ years he’s been with them and cutting him loose is an unexpected development. Even Rick Spielman himself felt “blindsided”, according to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune).

But everything has an expiration date and it was time for the Minnesota Vikings to start on a new path. Hopefully this one will take us to the Super Bowl promise land we’ve been waiting 50 years for.

More from our breaking news segment on major changes in Minnesota, as the #Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman this morning. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/EAftxyzAEY

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Dead Zim Walking

That day has become infamous for mass firings of coaches and executives around the league. This year, nobody’s seat is hotter than Mike Zimmer’s. So hot, apparently, that the Wilfs couldn’t keep their plans quiet any longer. According to a bombshell report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Confora, Mike Zimmer will be fired following Sunday’s finale. Rick Spielman will not.

The Vikings are expected to move on from head coach Mike Zimmer this week, league sources said, though longtime general manager Rick Spielman is likely to remain with the organization.

The Vikings brass has been averse to change over the years and has been very loyal to Spielman, but Zimmer’s abrasive style has been an issue within that team for years, and the need to go in a different direction has seemed clear to many decision makers there in recent weeks, sources said. Spielman is very close with ownership and is trusted immensely; the team has spent big and has yet to win big, but several league sources said they would be very surprised if Spielman was not a part of the organization in some capacity moving forward.

Jason La Confora – CBS Sports

With a win on Sunday, which wouldn’t be recommended by this website, Mike Zimmer (71-56-1) would finish with a .558 winning percentage as Minnesota Vikings head coach. A loss would bump it down to .550. Either way, he’ll leave town as the 3rd winningest coach in franchise history both by percentage and total victories. Only Bud Grant (158-96-5)(.621) and Dennis Green (97-62)(.610) were better.

Firing Zimmer won’t be cheap. His contract has two seasons remaining and is worth (per Darren Wolfson – KSTP, SKOR North) $16 million in total, $14-15 million of which is thought to be guaranteed.

What about Rick?

La Confora’s report doesn’t know the exact plans for current general manager, Rick Spielman. But it doesn’t look like he’ll have the same responsibilities going forward.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The purple were favored by more than a touchdown, despite being on the road, and lost outright, 29-27. There was no way the Vikings would lose to the Lions, right? If you have to ask, you haven’t been a member of this fanbase long enough.

Have to respect the Vikings’ commitment to playing precisely to their level of competition.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) December 5, 2021

Playing down to competition has been a common theme throughout the Mike Zimmer era, especially the last few years. The Vikings rarely get blown out and that’s a positive. But conversely, they refuse to dominate teams or put away games they take control of. It’s been perhaps the most common theme of a disappointing 5-7 season, in which all but one game was decided by 8 points or less.

The numbers show an average team. Minnesota ranks 16th in point differential (+3) and 16th in average score margin (+0.5) this season. Fans are getting sick of mediocre. Changes have been talked about for a while, but losing to the Lions has to be the nail on the coffin for this Zimmer/Spielman/Cousins era.

One more

Over Mike Zimmer’s 8 years, the Vikings have *one* blowout win of 30+ points.

Patriots – 11
Ravens – 10
Chiefs – 6
Saints – 6
Rams – 6
Bills – 5
Cowboys – 5

My main point with these stats: The Mike Zimmer + Kirk Cousins Vikings seem incapable of throttling opponents

— Phil Mackey ???? (@PhilMackey) December 2, 2021

This game will be looked back on for a long time

When Mike Zimmer is fired we’re all going to remember the embarrassing loss to the Lions. When Kirk Cousins is no longer a Viking we’re all going to remember the embarrassing loss to the Lions. And when Rick Spielman is fired, well you get it.

Basically, Sunday’s loss vs a winless Detroit team was the epitome of this era of Minnesota Vikings football. They hang in games they don’t belong and might even win a few, but when a Cooper Rush led Cowboys team shows up or it’s time to go to Detroit, Mike Zimmer will find a way to make it close, possibly even lose.

And that’s exactly why I expect the Vikings to bounce back yet again this season like they always do. Some good football will be played between during the last handful of games and this team will find a way to finish near or above .500. It’s just science. But the Wilfs cannot be fooled by phony positive developments to end the year.

If Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman are at the helm, this team will never find the promise land.

If you’re going to say that Mike Zimmer needs to go I won’t argue. But, if this is a rebuild you need to tell me why Rick Spielman gets to run that. Where is our depth? What has continually trading back to accumulate 6th & 7th rounders gotten us?
I’ll wait.

— Tim McNiff (@TimMcNiff1) December 5, 2021

Mike Zimmer is the main culprit.

Blame for Sunday’s loss (and for another disappointing season) can be spread around. Aside from Justin Jefferson, there isn’t much that went right. Kirk Cousins was awful in the first half and the Minnesota’s defense made Goff look like Tom Brady at times, specifically during the final drive.

At the center of Minnesota’s problems, however, is Mike Zimmer’s late game management and porous defense. Just in case you’ve forgotten, Zimmer was once a defensive guru. Or so we’re told. If true, it’s been awhile.

The Lions tried desperately give the Vikings Sunday’s game. Dan Campbell was going for 4th downs on his own 30-yard-line and using timeouts at the worst times. Jared Goff was throwing terribly timed interceptions and looked uncomfortable for much of the day.

What Defense?

But then the final drive happened. Suddenly, Goff turned into a good QB and led Detroit down the field for a touchdown as if he suddenly remembered what he was doing.

Mike Zimmer had his defense playing scared on that last drive. Wide receivers ran wide open as Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backs sat 10 yards back and a weak four man rush gave Goff all the time he needed. Even on the final play, with Detroit threatening and Zim’s job on the line, there was no sense of urgency. Can someone tell me what Cam Dantzler and Xavier Woods were thinking here?

I mean just HORRIBLE execution here on Defense. Let’s call a Defense where we apply ZERO pressure on the QB and let’s NOT challenge the receivers at the Goal line at ALL! ????????‍♂️pic.twitter.com/mkT0nUn6Xh

— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) December 5, 2021

Zim has lost his touch, plain and simple. If you ask me, it’s time to move on from him, Cousins and Spielman. But at the least, it’s time for the head coach to go. If he’s still in charge next season then the Wilfs have no desire to build a championship level team. Plain and simple.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan