Vikings announce major regime change with coach, GM ouster

The Vikings have made their decision on the future of head coach Mike Zimmer. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Zimmer has been fired by Minnesota.

“The Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer, per sources,” Pelissero revealed on Monday.

However, Pelissero wasn’t done. The Vikings also fired their general manager as well, relieving Rick Spielman of his duties.

“The Vikings fired GM Rick Spielman, per sources,” added Pelissero.

After a disappointing season, the Vikings are overhauling their entire operation. While Minnesota finished the season 8-9, their roster has playoff aspirations — at the least.

After the moves were announced, Vikings ownership released a statement. The team’s ownership group thanks Spielman and Zimmer, while leaving their fans with a message on their intentions.

Statement from the #Vikings ownership group pic.twitter.com/QoCsknmhzB

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 10, 2022

Moreover, the moves weren’t the fault of their quarterback Kirk Cousins. To illustrate, the former Michigan State star had his best season as a professional — passing for 4,221 yards and 33 touchdowns on the season. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s shortcomings.

Additionally, Cousins represents the biggest decision the next regime will have. While he’s played well, Cousins is also expensive — the quarterback carries a price-tag of $35 million guaranteed into 2022. With his stock never higher, perhaps the Vikings explore a trade featuring their star quarterback.

Still, there are plenty of decisions to make before then, like finding the replacements for Zimmer and Spielman. With the future uncertain, time will tell what direction the Vikings decide to move forward in.

More on Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings

After waiting patiently for his opportunity, Zimmer was finally given his first head coaching opportunity in Minnesota. While he brought the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game, he was never able to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Still, Zimmer ends his time in Minnesota after amassing a 72-56-1 record as their leader. After the way it all crumbled down, it’s tough to envision Zimmer finding a head coaching job in the near future. On the other hand, the former Vikings coach could find work as a defensive coordinator if he’s willing to take a job.

The Minnesota Vikings have some work to do to get to the heights they want to reach. However, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman won’t be a part of their future.