Jump to content

*** MIKE ZIMMER IS THE NEW DC ***


Recommended Posts

Word has it, through the grapevine, is that Zimmer will be in town to sign a deal here Monday, The Bengals wanted Rex Ryan but are worried that it will take too long, if they get the right to interview him at all from Baltimore, too many teams in the race for a DC not to mention the HC jobs he may get. So Mike Zimmer it is....


Also Zimmer is in hand for some scouting at the combine and the senior bowl,...


[img]http://i1.chargers.com/assets/172/32302_282wh.jpg[/img]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im not angry about it at all, good step in the right direction.

[url="http://www.dallascowboys.com/team_coach_mike_zimmer.cfm"]http://www.dallascowboys.com/team_coach_mike_zimmer.cfm[/url]
[quote]Coach Profile


After helping shape the Cowboys pass defense into one of the NFL's best in the second half of the 1990s, Mike Zimmer was handed the responsibility of coordinating the Cowboys defense on Feb. 1, 2000. During his nine seasons in Dallas, Zimmer has been a part of four NFC Eastern Division titles and the Cowboys Super Bowl XXX win over Pittsburgh. Five times in those nine seasons, the Dallas defense has finished the year ranked in the top 10 in total defense, and six times the club has ranked in the top 10 in pass defense. In three seasons directing the Dallas defense, Zimmer has earned respect and recognition from around the NFL as he oversaw the retooling of his unit into a younger, quicker, faster and better squad in a very short period of time.

Despite playing with the youngest secondary in the NFL in 2002, Zimmer's squad finished the year 18th in the NFL in total defense, 15th against the run and 19th against the pass. On a play-by-play basis, the Cowboys were sixth in the league in yards-per-play, third in rushing yards-per-attempt and 13th in passing yards-per-attempt. Only six teams allowed fewer touchdowns than the 32 given up by Dallas, and the 10 rushing touchdowns given up by Dallas was the fifth best total in the league. Five times during the year, the Dallas defense allowed 13 points-or-less. Setting the pace with young players, Zimmer had two rookies, safety Roy Williams and cornerback Derek Ross, tie for fourth in the NFC with five interceptions each.

In 2001, the Cowboys allowed 1,710 rushing yards, a figure that was 927 yards less than the club allowed during the 2000 season. That figure represented the largest turnaround in the NFL in 2001. The club's overall defense showed a 730-yard improvement when compared to the previous season, jumping the club from an overall NFL ranking of 19th in 2000 to fourth in 2001. The Dallas defense jumped from 31st against the run in 2000 to 13th, allowing an average of 106.9 yards-per-game on the ground. The Cowboys were third in the NFL (second in the NFC) in pass defense, giving up an average of 180.6 yards-per-game. The unit gave up fewer than 200 passing yards in seven of its last nine games, while allowing only one opposing quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in 16 regular season games.

The Cowboys 2000 defense battled through a string of injuries that forced a total of five key starters to miss a combined 33 games. The Dallas pass defense once again landed near the top of league rankings, finishing third in the NFL (second in NFC), allowing just 168.3 passing yards-per-game. Despite struggles early in the season, Zimmer's troops improved to finish the season ranked 19th in the NFL (ninth in NFC) in total defense, allowing 333.1 yards-per-game.

Prior to being promoted to defensive coordinator, Zimmer spent five years as Dallas' defensive backs coach and a year as a defensive assistant working with the nickel defense. In six years under Zimmer's watchful eye, the Cowboys pass defense surrendered an average of 190.6 passing yards-per-game, the second lowest figure in the league over that time span (Philadelphia � 187.4). In addition to finishing as one of the top two pass defenses in the league three times in that time frame, Dallas was the only team to have allowed fewer than 176.0 passing yards-per-game over a season three times.

Despite using five different starting lineups in the secondary in 1999, Zimmer's defensive backfield helped the Cowboys pass defense finish fourth in the NFC. The unit also tied for sixth in the league with 24 interceptions and returned four for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985, 1995). The Cowboys defense also limited seven opponents to 190 yards-or-less passing.

In 1998, the Cowboys were able to hold eight opponents to 200 yards passing or less, including four to 160 yards or less. Deion Sanders led the team with five interceptions totaling 153 return yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth, while Darren Woodson earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl appearance after leading the team with 136 tackles.

The Cowboys finished 1997 at or near the top of several NFL pass defense categories, including fewest completions allowed (253 - first), net yards-per-pass play (4.94 - third) and yards gained-per-completion (10.74 - third). The Cowboys also held five opponents to less than 120 yards passing and 12 to 176 yards or less.

In 1996, Kevin Smith returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon to tie for the team lead with five interceptions. Woodson earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth after finishing with 118 tackles and five interceptions to tie Smith for the team lead. Sanders intercepted two passes, knocked away another nine and recovered a team-high three fumbles to earn his fifth career Pro Bowl selection (first with Dallas).

In his first season as defensive backs coach in 1995, Zimmer lost Smith for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the season opener and did not have Sanders' services until Week Nine. Despite the injuries, the secondary surrendered only 204.5 passing yards-per-game, and Dallas returned four interceptions for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985).

As a defensive assistant in 1994, Zimmer worked with the Dallas nickel defense, which helped the secondary finish as the top ranked pass defense in the league (172.0 passing yards-per-game).

Before joining the Dallas staff, Zimmer spent five seasons as the defensive coordinator/secondary coach at Washington State. Zimmer's first Cougar defense in 1989 established a school record with 24 interceptions and 48 sacks. In 1993, the Cougars finished eighth in the nation in total defense and second in rushing defense.

Prior to joining the Cougars' staff, Zimmer was an assistant at Weber State College from 1981-88. Zimmer coached inside linebackers from 1981-84, while adding the duties of defensive coordinator in 1983. From 1985-88, he served as coordinator and oversaw the secondary.

Zimmer began his coaching career as a part-time assistant on defense at the University of Missouri in 1979, coaching, among others, All-Pro cornerbacks Eric Wright (San Francisco 49ers) and Johnnie Poe (New Orleans Saints).

Zimmer played quarterback at Illinois State University in 1974. After redshirting the 1975 season, he suffered a broken thumb in the spring of 1976 and was moved to linebacker. A neck injury, suffered during the 1976 season, led to surgery and the end of his playing career. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1979.

Zimmer was a two-time all-conference quarterback at Lockport, Ill., High School in 1972-73, playing for his father Bill, who played football at Bradley and later with the 49ers. Mike also earned all-conference honors in wrestling and baseball.

Born June 5, 1956 in Peoria, Ill., Mike and wife Vikki have three children, Adam (1/13/84) � a defensive back at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas � Marki (4/30/87) and Corri (2/22/90).[/quote]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='cinci1fan1' post='621708' date='Jan 11 2008, 08:08 PM']Good choice too many people out there looking for good DC its best grab and also I think rex would get a HC offer.Now to get henderson as LB coach and we are set to punch it in next year :00000052:


Now to hope get some of players back healthy -_-[/quote]


thats the thought, i think we left henderson hanging if we got nothing at DC we would give him that job, but with zimmer we put him at LB coach i guess...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Montana Bengal' post='621716' date='Jan 11 2008, 07:21 PM']Okay, I'm too lazy to go searching for this...so how well does Marvin know Zimmer? [b]Did they have a connection before?[/b][/quote]



I don`t think so.


[quote][size=3][b]Coaching career[/b][/size]
His first coaching job was as a part-time defensive assistant at the University of Missouri (1979-80). He then went to Weber State College, where he was the inside linebackers coach (1981-84), defensive backs coach (1985-88), and defensive coordinator (1983-88). He then went to Washington State University (1989-93) as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach. In 1993, the Cougars finished eighth in the nation in total defense and second in rushing defense.

He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 as an assistant coach of the nickel defense under Barry Switzer. He was promoted to defensive backs coach (1995-99) before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000. The 2004 Dallas Cowboys gave up the fewest yards in the NFL while running an aggressive speedy 4-3 defense. Despite the Cowboys' problems over the years, Zimmer has survived coaching changes (Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells) and rumored to have been a candidate for the head coaching job at the University of Nebraska (2003). For the 2005 season, he implemented the 3-4 defense favored by head coach Parcells, although Zimmer had no prior experience with it.

When Bobby Petrino was hired to coach the Atlanta Falcons early in 2007, Mike Zimmer agreed to become the new Defensive Coordinator in Atlanta.[/quote]




[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Zimmer"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Zimmer[/url]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote][size=3][b]Biography[/b][/size]


Mike Zimmer enters his first season with the Falcons after spending the past 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys,
including the last seven years as Defensive Coordinator.

[b]During his time in Dallas, Zimmer established himself as one of the NFL's top defensive minds with a fundamentally sound and [size=2]aggressive[/size] scheme.[/b] After joining the staff in 1994, he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in 2000. In seven of his 13 years with the club, the Cowboys ranked in the top 10 in total defense and pass defense, while advancing to the postseason seven times.

As Defensive Coordinator in Dallas, Zimmer has earned respect and recognition from around the NFL in 2005 as he adapted his defense to the Cowboys changing rosters by successfully overseeing the transition from the club's base 4-3 defense to a 3-4 system.

Prior to assuming the Defensive Coordinator post, Zimmer directed the Cowboys Secondary that was one of the league's best throughout the second half of the 1990's.

In 2006, Zimmer coordinated a defense that finished ranked 13th in total defense and 10th in rush defense as Dallas advanced to the postseason. Second-year linebacker DeMarcus Ware ranked tied for second in the NFL with 11.5 sacks on the way to his first Pro Bowl honor, while veteran safety Roy Williams led the team in interceptions as he tied a career-high with five thefts en route to his fourth straight Pro Bowl under Zimmer's watch.

Incorporating as many as three rookies (Ware, Marcus Spears and Chris Canty) and another first-time starter (Bradie James) in the front seven, Zimmer's unit finished the year 10th in the NFL in total defense in 2005. A veteran secondary anchored by Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler, and third-year starter Terence Newman, allowed opponents to complete just 54.7% of their passes, the second lowest figure in the League.

Zimmer's 2004 defense was forced to play without the services of veteran safety Darren Woodson (back) for the year while rotating through four different players at right cornerback. The Cowboys defensive unit finished the season 16th in total defense, but came together over the final half of the season, recording 17 sacks and 17 turnovers while holding three opponents to 12 points-or-less.

In 2003, Zimmer's defense surrendered only an NFL best 253.5 yards average per game - the sixth best single-season performance in club history. The Cowboys led the NFL in pass defense, and closed out the season third in rush defense. The end result helped return Dallas to the playoffs after a three-year absence. The Dallas defense held six opponents to less than 10 points while finishing the year as the only NFL club to boast an opponents' pass completion percentage of less than 50% (48.6). The defense also led the NFL in fewest yards allowed on first down (4.13) and fewest first downs (14.3 per game) while ranking second in scoring defense (16.3). For the first time since 1998, three Dallas defenders earned Pro Bowl recognition as Williams, LaRoi Glover and linebacker Dexter Coakley represented the NFC in Hawaii.

Despite playing with the youngest secondary in the NFL in 2002, Zimmer's squad finished the year 18th in the NFL in total defense, 15th against the run and 19th against the pass. On a play-by-play basis, the Cowboys were sixth in the league in yards per play, third in rushing yards per attempt and 13th in passing yards-per-attempt. Only six teams allowed fewer touchdowns than the 32 given up by Dallas, and the 10 rushing touchdowns given up by Dallas was the fifth best total in the League. Five times during the season, the Dallas defense allowed 13 points or less. Setting the pace with young players, Zimmer had two rookies, safety Roy Williams and cornerback Derek Ross, tie for fourth in the NFC with five interceptions each.

In 2001, the Cowboys allowed 1,710 rushing yards, a figure that was 927 yards less than the club allowed during the 2000 season. That figure represented the largest turnaround in the NFL in 2001. The club's overall defense showed a 730-yard improvement when compared to the previous season, jumping the club from an overall NFL ranking of 19th in 2000 to fourth in 2001. The Dallas defense jumped from 31st against the run in 2000 to 13th, allowing an average of 106.9 yards per game on the ground. The Cowboys were third in the NFL (second in the NFC) in pass defense, giving up an average of 180.6 yards-per-game. The unit gave up fewer than 200 passing yards in seven of its last nine games, while allowing only one opposing quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in 16 regular season games.

The Cowboys 2000 defense battled through a string of injuries that forced a total of five key starters to miss a combined 33 games. The Dallas pass defense once again landed near the top of League rankings under Zimmer, finishing third in the NFL (second in NFC), allowing just 168.3 passing yards per game. Despite struggles early in the season, Zimmer's troops improved to finish the season ranked 19th in the NFL (ninth in NFC) in total defense, allowing 333.1 yards per game.

Prior to being promoted to Defensive Coordinator, Zimmer spent five years as Dallas' Defensive Backs Coach and a year as a Defensive Assistant working with the nickel defense. In six years under Zimmer's watchful eye, the Cowboys pass defense surrendered an average of 190.6 passing yards per game, the second lowest figure in the League over that time span (Philadelphia 187.4). In addition to finishing as one of the top two pass defenses in the NFL three times in that time frame, Dallas was the only team to have allowed fewer than 176.0 passing yards per game over a season three times.

Despite using five different starting lineups in the secondary in 1999, Zimmer's defensive backfield helped the Cowboys pass defense finish fourth in the NFC. The unit also tied for sixth in the NFL with 24 interceptions and returned four for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985, 1995). The Cowboys defense also limited seven opponents to 190 yards-or-less passing.

In 1998, the Cowboys were able to hold eight opponents to 200 yards passing or less, including four to 160 yards or less. Cornerback and former Falcon Deion Sanders led the team with five interceptions, totaling 153 return yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth, while Woodson earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl appearance after leading the team with 136 tackles.

The Cowboys finished 1997 at or near the top of several NFL pass defense categories, including fewest completions allowed (253 - first), net yards per pass play (4.94 - third) and yards gained per completion (10.74 - third). The Cowboys also held five opponents to less than 120 yards passing and 12 to 176 yards or less.

In 1996, CB Kevin Smith returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon to tie for the team lead with five interceptions. Woodson earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth after finishing with 118 tackles and five interceptions to tie Smith for the team lead. Sanders intercepted two passes, knocked away another nine and recovered a team-high three fumbles to earn his fifth career Pro Bowl selection (and first with Dallas).

In his first season as Defensive Backs coach in 1995, Zimmer lost Smith for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the season opener and did not have Sanders' services until week nine. Despite the injuries, the secondary surrendered only 204.5 passing yards per game, and Dallas returned four interceptions for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985). Through Zimmer's help, Dallas' defense allowed less than 200 yards passing in 10 of 16 games in the regular season and Zimmer was fitted for a Super Bowl ring as the Cowboys captured Super Bowl XXX with a 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a Defensive Assistant in 1994, Zimmer worked with the Dallas nickel defense, which helped the secondary finish as the top ranked pass defense in the NFL (allowing only 172.0 passing yards per game) en route to advancing to the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.

Before joining the Dallas staff, Zimmer spent five seasons as the Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach at Washington State. Zimmer's first Cougar defense in 1989 established a school record with 24 interceptions and 48 sacks. In 1993, the Cougars finished eighth in the nation in total defense and second in rushing defense.

Prior to joining the Cougars' staff, Zimmer was an assistant at Weber State from 1981-88. Zimmer coached inside linebackers from 1981-84, while adding the duties of Defensive Coordinator. From 1985-88, he served as coordinator and oversaw the secondary alongside current Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino, who served as the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Coach for the team from 1987-88.

Zimmer began his coaching career as a part-time assistant on defense at the University of Missouri in 1979, coaching, among others, All-Pro cornerbacks Eric Wright (San Francisco 49ers) and Johnnie Poe (New Orleans Saints).

Zimmer played quarterback at Illinois State University in 1974. After redshirting the 1975 season, he suffered a broken thumb in the spring of 1976 and was moved to linebacker. A neck injury suffered during the 1976 season led to surgery and the end of his playing career. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1979.

Zimmer was a two-time all-conference quarterback at Lockport (Ill.) High School in 1972-73, playing for his father, Bill, who played football at Bradley and later with the 49ers. Mike also earned all-conference honors in wrestling and baseball.

Born June 5, 1956 in Peoria, Illinois. Mike and wife Vikki have three children, Adam, Marki and Corri. Adam is currently an assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints.[/quote]





[url="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Coaches/Mike_Zimmer.aspx"]http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Coach...ike_Zimmer.aspx[/url]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Elflocko' post='621722' date='Jan 11 2008, 07:30 PM']That is one helluva resume.[/quote]


I was thinking the same thing.



This is from an article last year when Zimmer interviewed
for the Chargers HC job . . .


[quote]Zimmer was hired recently as Atlanta's defensive coordinator after doing the same job for Bill Parcells in Dallas. With Parcells' status uncertain, Zimmer jumped to the Falcons on Jan. 9. Parcells, the Cowboys' coach for four seasons, retired two weeks later.

"When Bill came in, he helped me a lot in wanting to be a head coach," Zimmer said. [b]"Some people, that's all they dream about. All I dream about is being the best I can be and getting the players to play as best as they can and hopefully win a lot of championships."[/b]

Zimmer started with Dallas in 1994 and worked for head coaches Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo and Parcells. He was the defensive coordinator from 2000-06.

[b]"I've seen a lot of different ways that work," he said.[/b]

Zimmer was defensive backs coach when the Cowboys [b]beat Pittsburgh[/b] in the Super Bowl following the 1995 season.

"A.J. Smith seems like a great guy and [b]I'd rather have somebody that is straightforward and honest with me than someone who is communicating by saying one thing one way and saying another thing another way," Zimmer said. "I'm an upfront person and I think that works out the best."[/b]


[b]"I think the coaches should allow the players to continue to get better at what they are getting better at and let us learn what we call in this thing, as opposed to what they have to learn to call it," he said.[/b][/quote]


[url="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2884264"]http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2884264[/url]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='oldschooler' post='621710' date='Jan 11 2008, 08:10 PM'][b]He was my second choice. [/b]

I`m happy with the move.

And from what Hobson said, it looks like Zimmer
is going to keep the 4-3.[/quote]

Who is ur first choice old.

I think zimmer is best option cause we just cannot too long for ryan cause There are many HC jobs available and he is a candidate to get one for sure heck he might be in baltimore itself.

[i][b]Zimmer established himself as one of the NFL's top defensive minds with a fundamentally sound and aggressive scheme[/b][/i]


aa something to talk about in our DC :whistle: :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Seems like a good hire - it was seeming less and less likely (to me, at any rate) that the Ravens were going to let Ryan negotiate in the division.

Now, he just needs to familiarize himself what the players he has to work with and get scheming.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mjm47' post='621731' date='Jan 11 2008, 08:45 PM']Seems like a good hire - it was seeming less and less likely (to me, at any rate) that the Ravens were going to let Ryan negotiate in the division.
[b]
Now, he just needs to familiarize himself what the players he has to work with and get scheming.[/b][/quote]


hopefully he plays a big part in figuring out who those people are... as its a toss up on the defense right now whos in and out.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='GoBengals' post='621733' date='Jan 11 2008, 07:47 PM']hopefully he plays a big part in figuring out who those people are... as its a toss up on the defense right now whos in and out.[/quote]

How much say do you think he'll have in whether or not to retain the impending free agents on defense (Madieu, Landon, Justin, etc)?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mjm47' post='621740' date='Jan 11 2008, 08:52 PM']How much say do you think he'll have in whether or not to retain the impending free agents on defense (Madieu, Landon, Justin, etc)?[/quote]


i would think quite a bit, there is some time before those decisions are made, so he should be able to evaluate everything, but having some notion on those guys as well as thurman and pollack would be important as well.

he is walking into a tough job with lots of decisions needing to be made. i think he and marvin will make some good choices.

we need pollack on or off the books officially, either retire for him or get healthy, us cutting him isnt a good choice as we take a cap hit, but if he retires we get cap relief.

now im rumbling, another topic is likely needed for all that..

but i think he will play a huge role in getting the right players here and able to play.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...