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Minnesota Vikings, head coach Mike Zimmer strike new deal

By The Sports Xchange
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo

In February, only one month removed from leading the Minnesota Vikings to their first playoff game since 2011, head coach Mike Zimmer prefaced responses to questions about the long-term future of the team with the phrase "If I'm still here..."

The Vikings erased any speculation about Zimmer's future on Thursday as Minnesota tied the franchise to the current coach with a long-term contract extension.

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"There's no doubt that Coach Zimmer is going to be our coach for a long time," general manager Rick Spielman said announcing the deal.

Terms were not disclosed by the team but Zimmer, who led the Vikings to an 11-5 record and NFC North championship last season, won't be a free agent while the core of the team develops together.

"I really like my team right now," Zimmer said of the Vikings in minicamp.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could be next in line for a contract and there are deals to consider for cornerback Xavier Rhodes and outside linebacker Anthony Barr sooner rather than later.

Zimmer is 18-14 as head coach of the Vikings and only late Denny Green, who had 20 wins in his first two seasons with Minnesota, was more successful to start a coaching career with the franchise.

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"Mike has instilled a very positive atmosphere over the past three years and our players have thrived under his tutelage and leadership," owner and chairman Zygi Wilf said. "His focus on helping our players develop and maximize potential, individually and collectively, is critical for our current and future success. We believe the continuity established with Mike leading our football team is a very positive step for our organization."

Zimmer is a disciple of Bill Parcells and cut his teeth as a defensive coach.

A frank disciplinarian widely respected around the NFL, Zimmer overcame a revolving door at quarterback and season-long suspension of running back Adrian Peterson in his first season with the Vikings.

Last season, with Peterson back in the fold, the Vikings had a top-five defense, Peterson led the NFL in rushing and Bridgewater took another step in his development.

"We are very excited about the direction of our football team with Mike Zimmer as our head coach," team president Mark Wilf said in a statement. "His leadership and the strong partnership he has with Rick Spielman has helped transform the culture of our football team. They have established a positive identity for this team with tough minded, disciplined, and smart football players and we believe Mike's continued leadership bodes very well for our future."

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