Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
4 Mike Zimmer Replacements the Dallas Cowboys Should Consider
The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, both on and off the field. However, in recent seasons, their defensive performance has been under scrutiny, especially with a defense that, at times, has been inconsistent despite having talent. With Mike Zimmer, the former Minnesota Vikings head coach and renowned defensive coordinator, potentially available for a return to the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys could look at him as a strong option to revitalize their defensive unit. Zimmer’s long history of defensive excellence, particularly with the Vikings, has made him a candidate for several teams, including the Cowboys.
However, while Zimmer’s resume is impressive, the Cowboys should also keep an eye out for other defensive minds who could help them achieve the elusive Super Bowl victory. The defense is often the key to a team’s success, and with the right defensive coordinator, the Cowboys could finally take the next step. In this article, we’ll explore four potential replacements for Mike Zimmer that the Dallas Cowboys should consider, focusing on their experience, coaching philosophies, and ability to elevate the team’s defense.
1. Dan Quinn (Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator)
Before delving into outside candidates, it’s important to acknowledge the current leadership in Dallas. Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has done a remarkable job since joining the team in 2021. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense transformed from a weakness to one of the NFL’s best units. In 2021, the Cowboys’ defense finished second in the league in takeaways, which played a significant role in the team’s success during the regular season.
Quinn is no stranger to turning around a struggling defense. Prior to his stint in Dallas, he spent six seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017. His time as the Falcons’ head coach gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to lead an NFL team, both from a defensive and overall coaching perspective.
Quinn’s aggressive defensive schemes, particularly his emphasis on blitzing, creating turnovers, and developing young players, has resonated well in Dallas. Under his direction, players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence have all flourished.
Despite Quinn’s success in Dallas, the NFL is a business where change is inevitable. If Quinn were to leave Dallas for another head coaching opportunity, his potential departure would leave a significant void in the Cowboys’ defense. If Quinn were to leave for another head coaching position, the Cowboys would have to look for a replacement who shares his defensive mentality and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
2. Vic Fangio (Former Denver Broncos Head Coach)
One of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL, Vic Fangio has built a reputation for creating some of the most formidable defenses during his long coaching career. Fangio’s expertise was on full display during his tenure as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014) and the Chicago Bears (2015-2018). His defenses have consistently ranked among the best in the league, known for their disciplined approach and ability to shut down opposing offenses.
Fangio’s time as the head coach of the Denver Broncos (2019-2021) was less successful overall, but his defensive acumen remained a highlight. Under Fangio’s guidance, the Broncos’ defense was competitive, often holding teams to low yardage totals and creating turnovers. However, with the Broncos struggling offensively during his time as head coach, Fangio was ultimately let go after the 2021 season. Despite his departure, his defensive reputation remains sterling, and many teams would welcome the opportunity to add him to their coaching staff.
Fangio’s defensive philosophy is built on a base of strong fundamentals, a disciplined approach, and adaptability. His use of zone coverage, the 3-4 defensive scheme, and an emphasis on disguising coverages make him a challenging coordinator for opposing offenses to decipher. Given the Cowboys’ talented roster, Fangio could take them to the next level, creating a defense that is both aggressive and fundamentally sound.
What makes Fangio particularly attractive to the Cowboys is his ability to make adjustments mid-game and his success in developing players. His coaching tree includes several successful defensive coordinators and head coaches, including the likes of Robert Saleh and Matt Eberflus. A seasoned coach like Fangio could be the right fit for a defense with a strong foundation but needing a bit of direction and structure.
3. Jerry Gray (Buffalo Bills Secondary Coach)
Jerry Gray’s name may not be as prominent as some of the other candidates on this list, but his work with the Buffalo Bills defense over the past few seasons makes him a legitimate candidate for a top defensive coordinator role. As the Bills’ secondary coach, Gray has played a key role in developing one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. His ability to coach and develop defensive backs is especially important in today’s pass-heavy NFL, where cornerbacks and safeties are crucial in shutting down explosive offenses.
Gray’s defensive philosophy emphasizes creating turnovers, sound tackling, and disrupting the passing game. In Buffalo, he’s been credited with helping develop young defensive backs like Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde into one of the league’s top secondaries. His track record of developing elite defensive backs would be highly valuable to the Cowboys, particularly with the rising star of Trevon Diggs, whose ball-hawking ability has already made him one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks.
Before his time with the Bills, Gray also served as the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2011 to 2013, where he demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive scheme and structure. His ability to coach both defensive backs and the defense as a whole would be beneficial to a Cowboys team that has strong cornerbacks and safeties but could use a more cohesive defensive scheme.
Additionally, Gray’s experience in both the NFL and college ranks gives him a wealth of knowledge about how to build a defense that can compete at the highest levels. His calm demeanor and detailed approach to coaching could help the Cowboys’ defense play with consistency and focus, especially in big games.
4. Jim Schwartz (Former Detroit Lions Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator)
Jim Schwartz is a veteran defensive coach who has earned widespread respect for his aggressive, attacking style of defense. Schwartz is best known for his time as the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013, but his real coaching success has come as a defensive coordinator. Schwartz has been a defensive coordinator for several teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and, most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served from 2016 to 2020.
Under Schwartz, the Eagles’ defense became known for its relentless pass rush, aggressive schemes, and ability to create turnovers. In 2017, his defense helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, with Schwartz’s defensive schemes proving crucial in the team’s postseason run. Schwartz’s philosophy focuses on getting after the quarterback, creating pressure, and forcing mistakes, which would be a perfect fit for a Cowboys defense featuring stars like Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
Schwartz is a high-energy coach who motivates his players to play with intensity and discipline. His aggressive, no-nonsense approach could be just what the Cowboys need to take their defense to the next level, especially given their roster’s potential. Schwartz has proven that he can adapt his defensive schemes based on the personnel he has at his disposal, making him an attractive option for the Cowboys as they seek to improve their overall defense.
Additionally, Schwartz’s experience as both a head coach and defensive coordinator would give him the leadership skills necessary to work within the structure of the Cowboys’ organization. His experience with playoff-bound teams makes him a great candidate for a team that aspires to make a deep postseason run.
Conclusion: A Future of Defensive Dominance
The Dallas Cowboys have the talent on defense to become one of the most feared units in the NFL. With players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence leading the charge, the Cowboys’ defense has the potential to be elite. However, finding the right coach to elevate that talent to its highest level is crucial.
While Mike Zimmer would be a strong option, there are other defensive minds that could help the Cowboys get over the hump. Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator, has already made significant strides, but if he moves on, the Cowboys should consider proven leaders like Vic Fangio, Jerry Gray, and Jim Schwartz to fill that role. Each of these coaches has a track record of defensive success, and any one of them could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Cowboys’ defense.
Ultimately, the success of the Cowboys’ defense is critical to their long-term success, and the right defensive coordinator could be the missing piece that allows the Cowboys to make a Super Bowl run in the near future. With the right leadership, the Cowboys could once again become the dominant team they were during the 1990s, and the defense will be a critical factor in achieving that goal.
