Mike Zimmer: 'All Options Are Open' for Future After Mike McCarthy's Cowboys Exit

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that his options are open after his time with the team came to an end this week.

The 68-year-old Zimmer joined Dallas as its defensive coordinator this season under former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, whose five-year contract expired on Tuesday. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already announced that the team will be looking for a new head coach.

Zimmer arrived in Dallas to replace ex-defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is now the Washington Commanders' head coach.

Zimmer began coaching in the NFL with the Cowboys in 1994, working as a defensive assistant. He was a defensive backs coach from 1995-1999 and then the team's defensive coordinator from 2000-2006.

He served as the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator (2007) and then the Cincinnati Bengals' DC (2008-2013) before becoming the Minnesota Vikings' head coach (2014-2021). Under Zimmer, the Vikings went 72-56-1, making the playoffs three times and winning the NFC North twice. The team's high point was 2017, when Minnesota went 13-3 and reached the NFC Championship Game.

Zimmer returned to his old defensive coordinator post in Dallas in 2024. It was a rough season for the team, which allowed the second-most points in the NFL (468). The Cowboys allowed the fifth-most yards per play. Dallas went 7-10 and missed the playoffs by four games.

Still, Zimmer sports an impressive resume, and he's clearly put his name out there for interested teams. ESPN's Jeff Darlington did previously report that Zimmer is contemplating retirement, but if the right opportunity shows up, he could very well be back calling defensive shots next year.