Zach BacharContributor IJanuary 26, 2025
Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer confirmed that he wouldn’t be returning to the team in 2025 and will likely retire from coaching in the NFL, according to NFL insider Ed Werder.
On Friday, the Cowboys promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach after parting ways with Mike McCarthy.
The writing appeared to be on the wall regarding Zimmer’s future in Dallas following the move, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was a “prime candidate” to take over as defensive coordinator.
Zimmer served as a defensive analyst and consultant at Colorado in 2023 before the Cowboys brought him in to replace former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who became the Washington Commanders’ head coach.
His NFL journey started with the Cowboys in 1994, beginning as a defensive assistant. Zimmer was later promoted to defensive backs coach in 1995 and eventually became the team’s defensive coordinator from 2000-06.
He also operated in defensive coordinator roles with the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals before taking over as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 through 2021.
The Cowboys struggled defensively in Zimmer’s first year back, although it’s worth noting that they dealt with injuries to several key players. Pass-rusher Micah Parsons, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, cornerback Trevon Diggs and defensive back DaRon Bland all missed multiple games due to injuries.
Dallas allowed 27.5 points and 355.2 yards per game in 2024, the second and fifth-worst averages in the league respectively.
NFL @NFLMcKee to DeVonta Smith!
Eagles lead 41-7 over Dallas.
📺: #DALvsPHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/E1RQrDpP6l
Zimmer specifying that his NFL career is coming to a close could leave the door open for a college return. Before he was part of the Buffaloes in 2023, he was also with head coach Deion Sanders at Jackson State as a consultant in 2022.
As the Cowboys open their new era with Schottenheimer, they’ll also be bringing in a new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
