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Vikings Rumors: Mike Zimmer's 'Fate Has Not Yet Been Decided'; HC Search Discussed
January 2, 2022
Mike Zimmer's future as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings could come down to the team's performance in the final two weeks of the season.
"Mike Zimmer appears to be one of the coaches whose fate has not yet been decided, per sources informed of his situation," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported.
The 7-8 Vikings have not been eliminated from the playoffs, and Zimmer could solidify his status with the team by winning the final two games, per Rapoport. It could still be an uphill battle for the coach to remain with the organization in 2022.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Vikings have had "internal discussions" and are "preparing to conduct a search at the end of the season."
Zimmer is in his eighth year with the Vikings, producing a 71-55-1 overall record in the regular season with at least seven wins each year. The squad has reached the playoffs three times in his tenure, advancing to the NFC Conference Championship Game after the 2017 season.
The problem is Minnesota is likely headed to its third season without a playoff appearance in the last four years.
The Vikings are set to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. Sean Mannion gets the start in a must-win matchup.
Zimmer also hasn't gotten much production out of the defense, which was his area of expertise prior to becoming a head coach.
Minnesota enters Week 17 ranked 29th in the NFL in yards allowed and 23rd in points allowed.
It could force the Vikings to make a change at head coach in the offseason.