Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, denies being a jerk
Mike Zimmer is a traditional football coach who is tough and direct. He’s been dubbed a “jerk” by some (or maybe worse).
The majority of players actually enjoy playing for him, and beat writers enjoy writing about him.
For the first time since 2021, Zimmer returned to the sidelines on Wednesday when he was introduced as the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator. The Cowboys defense will be called by a different coach for the first time in four years than Dan Quinn, who left to take the head coaching position with the Commanders.
“There’s a reputation out there that I’m a jerk or something like that,” Zimmer stated. “I suppose it is what it is. However, you know, I’ve heard from so many players that played for me since it was announced that I would be here. Not just the defensive backs, but also the linebackers and defensive linemen have texted me to express their happiness for me. I doubt I would be hearing from those guys if I was such a jerk.
Harrison Smith, a Vikings safety who was Zimmer’s teammate from 2014 to 21, refers to the former head coach as “an acquired taste.” Darren Woodson, a former safety for the Cowboys and player for Zimmer from 1994 to 2003, is one of his former teammates who believes that players need to get used to Zimmer’s advantage.
