Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Mike Zimmer discusses Dallas Cowboys, coaching future

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 12:50 PM ET

Speculation is running rampant regarding the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching vacancy.

From former players, most notably Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, to the usual suspects like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, there are plenty of options and names being floated for the job.

But what about within the Cowboys organization?

One person who could be in the mix to replace Mike McCarthy is defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who saw the defensive unit improve throughout the final stretch of the season.

Things weren't always pretty, but Zimmer has the respect of the players. The question is whether Zimmer would want to return to Dallas or coach at all in 2025.

When speaking to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Zimmer said that "all options are open."

#Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer tells me “all options are open” on his future after Dallas and Mike McCarthy parted ways Monday.

Zimmer and other Dallas assistants whose contracts expired are now allowed to interview elsewhere. “I really enjoy coaching,” Zimmer said. pic.twitter.com/WMy4KV82Gf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2025

Of course, Jerry Jones would likely prefer a flashier approach.

It is possible that Zimmer could be a fallback option in Big D and perhaps he was all along with the possibility that McCarthy would leave, but a younger, more energetic coach is the direction that Dallas should turn.

We'll have to see how it all plays out, but for now it appears as though all options are open for both the Cowboys and Zimmer.

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This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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