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Ex-Vikings news: Mike Zimmer, Teddy Bridgewater, Sean Mannion

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Vikings
By Will Ragatz | Last updated 2/3/24

Several former Vikings have been in the news recently. Let's go over some updates.

Mike Zimmer

Former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is going to interview for the Cowboys' vacant defensive coordinator position, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Zimmer has been away from the NFL since being fired by Minnesota following the 2021 season. There have been reports this offseason that he was interested in making a return, and this would seemingly be the perfect fit.

Zimmer began his NFL coaching career in Dallas in 1994, working with the franchise for 13 seasons (the last seven as their defensive coordinator). He then had DC stints with the Falcons and Bengals before spending eight years as the Vikings' head coach. Zimmer has a good relationship with Jerry Jones and would be inheriting a lot of talent if he lands the job. Led by All-Pros Micah Parsons and Daron Bland, the Cowboys finished fifth in defensive DVOA last season under Dan Quinn (who is the Commanders' new head coach).

It'll be interesting to see if Zimmer ends up as the hire in Dallas.

Teddy Bridgewater

Bridgewater, who was Zimmer's first starting quarterback in Minnesota, has officially retired from the NFL and been hired as the head coach at his alma mater Miami Northwestern High School. That's a very cool next chapter for the 31-year-old. After spending four years with the Vikings, Bridgewater played for the Saints, Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins, and Lions.

Teddy Bridgewater has retired and been hired as the HC at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School pic.twitter.com/BDG8XLElQ1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 2, 2024

Sean Mannion

Bridgewater isn't the only ex-Vikings QB who is retiring and beginning a coaching career. Sean Mannion, who spent parts of four seasons with the Vikings from 2019-23, is retiring after a nine-year playing career and joining the Green Bay Packers' coaching staff, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Mannion will "work with QBs and the passing game" under Matt LaFleur, per Henderson. The 31-year-old was a third-round pick by the Rams in 2015 and also spent time with the Seahawks.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Vikings and was syndicated with permission.

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