Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer debunks 'jerk' reputation ahead of 2024 NFL season

By now, chances are you've seen the clips of new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer yelling to players from former teams with an old-school style of coaching that will get fans wishing for a more disciplined team fired up.

On Wednesday's introductory press conference, Zimmer addressed his hard-nosed persona which has led to an uncomfortable but largely untrue label. That of being a jerk.

"There's a reputation out there that I'm a jerk or something like that, which it is what it is, I guess," Zimmer told reporters on Wednesday.  "But, you know, since it was announced that I was going to be here, I've heard from so many players that played for me. Players here, not just defensive backs, but linebackers and defensive linemen, texted me and said how happy they are for me. And I think if I was such a jerk, I wouldn't be hearing from those guys." 

Since Zimmer's hire was reported on, a lot has been made about his age with many portraying it as a concern. The former Minnesota Vikings head coach will be 68 when the season begins. Naturally, some have questions about how he can relate to today's players.

Zimmer's answer is perfect, as he pointed out a trait that's the same in guys he coached back in 1979 when he started out as a defensive assistant for Missouri or 2024 taking over a talented defense like the Cowboys.' 

"The ones that want to be great, they want to be coached," Zimmer said. "There's a lot more social media, there's a lot more of the outside stuff going on, but the ones that I've been around, the young guys, the ones that want to be great, they want to be coached, they want to study, they want to understand how they can get better. And to me, that's what the most all the great players want to know: how can you make me better?"