Mike Zimmer offers statement after being fired by Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer on Monday following Minnesota's second consecutive season missing the playoffs. Zimmer offers a statement.
After missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, the Minnesota Vikings decided to hit the reset button and fire head coach Mike Zimmer, along with general manager Rick Spielman.
Zimmer, who leaves with a 72-56-1 record in the regular season and who will likely be a popular candidate for defensive coordinator jobs if he coaches in 2022, issued a statement just hours after being let go by the Vikings.
He publicly expressed his thanks to fans and several people in the organization, after spending eight seasons as Minnesota’s head coach.
"I want to thank you for your support over these eight years," Zimmer said. "...I have given my heart and soul to this organization and to the players. I have had outstanding assistant coaches who have worked tirelessly. I'm sorry we didn't get it done."
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Since Zimmer took over as head coach in 2014, the Vikings have won at least seven games in all but one year. In 2017, Minnesota reached the NFC Championship game, but did not make it to the Super Bowl at their home stadium.
Below is Zimmer’s full statement:
I want to thank you for our support over these eight years. I've grown to love the people of Minnesota, it has become our home. You have been tremendous to my foundation and helping the kids of Minnesota. We have had great sponsors and met so many great people, including my relationship with Bud Grant and all the people in the offices.
I have given my heart and soul to this organization and to the players. I have had outstanding assistant coaches who have worked tirelessly. I'm sorry we didn't get it done.
The fans make this place truly special. On Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium, it's an unbelievable atmosphere.
I'll miss coaching the players, some who have been with me for all eight years. I want to thank the players who welcomed me in 2014 and believed in me that I could lead them to be great.
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