Mike Zimmer was named the Vikings ninth head coach last winter. Fans and media are still getting acquainted with Zimmer who after 20 years of being an NFL assistant became a head coach for the first time. In an exclusive interview, Sports Headliners asked him to fill in the blanks on various football and personal topics—some not too serious—to better understand who he is.
Football is the best game in the world because: “It teaches discipline, (and) toughness, and there’s such a team aspect of things.”
What I’ve already learned about Adrian Peterson is: “That he cares a lot about this football team and the franchise. Besides being a great running back, he’s a good person.”
Better know this about former NFL coach Bill Parcells: (Laughs). “That he is going to have a sharp stick and poke you with it—that he does it because he cares about you and wants you to be the very best that you can be.”
The most difficult time in my life was: “When my wife (Vikki) passed away (October 8, 2009, after 27 years of marriage).”
How I got offensive coordinator Norv Turner to come and work for me was: “Begging and pleading, and a few phone conversations. …I think he saw how we played defense and I saw how he played offense, and I thought it would be a good mix, and I think he did too.”
When people compare me to Bud Grant I think: (Laughs). “I think, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ I am kind of speechless. But I haven’t coached a (regular season) game yet so we should temper those thoughts, I think.”
If I want one thing on my tombstone it is: “Honesty.”
What amazes me about you guys in the media is: (Laughs). “Honestly, I have a lot of respect for the people in the media. I really do. Sometimes I get a kick out of how they can ask a question looking for the answer that they want (me) to give.”
I will promise Vikings fans this: “That I will do my very best every single day. Work as hard as I can to bring a championship to Minnesota.”
The perfect vacation for me is: “I am not a big vacation guy but I do like to hang out at my ranch (43 acres in northern Kentucky)—shoot guns, go hunting, things like that.”
My very first words to the team after being hired were: “I believe it was what kind of people and players that I was looking for…and what kind of things we’re not looking for.”
My best advice to No. 3 quarterback Christian Ponder is: “Hang in there. Keep fighting. Keep your head up, chest out, (and) good things will happen.”
Vikings fans will learn this about rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater: “That he is humble, caring. He’s obviously talented but he’s a guy that I think they’ll be proud to have as a quarterback some day.”
Here’s what I think about superstition: “I think I have it (laughs). But it’s not always a good thing.”
What’s an example? “I have a prayer that…I’ve used for the last three or four years that I read numerous times before the game. Just read it to myself. It’s about (the) game plan, (and) playing with great unity and effort, and smart. Things like that.”
My good luck charms are: “My kids (daughters Corri and Marki, and son Adam). They’re always helping me staying positive, and seeing the good things.”
If I could invite a few people—including historical figures and anyone alive today—to a dinner party I would include: “(General) George Patton, probably Michael Jordan. …Parcells would probably be one, although I would put him at the other end of the table. No, I am not joking on that one. Some of the great coaches—Don Shula—(and) I know they (Vikings fans) don’t want me to say (Packers Vince) Lombardi but him too.”
There’s nothing better to eat than: “Mexican, Tex-Mex especially. Anything with pico de gallo on it. Queso. Chicken I love. …”
My early impression of Minnesota as a place to live is: “My earliest impression was very cold. When I got here it was January 15th. But you know the people have been great. The area with all the lakes and the waterfowl and the clear blue skies—it‘s pretty neat.”
Were you discouraged by the January winter welcome? “Well, I was caught off guard a little bit. I didn’t expect it to be 18 below when I was driving into work, but we have heaters.”