Minnesota Vikings

Bill Parcells on Mike Zimmer: 'I think football needs guys like him'

Published Dec. 23, 2015 11:44 a.m. ET

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Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has a Hall of Fame supporter in retired coach Bill Parcells. Zimmer began his NFL coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1994, and his last three seasons there were spent as Parcells' defensive coordinator (2003-2006).

Even back then, Parcells thought Zimmer had a bright future.

Via ESPN's Ben Goessling:

I tried to take him aside from time to time and talk to him about some situational things, things that were going on with the team -- 'When you’re a head coach, I just want to explain to you why I’m doing what I’m doing,'" Parcells said. "I thought he had potential, but you’re never sure, because you can’t explain what being a head coach is like and how it’s different than being an assistant. People have to go through it, and never know how it’s going to happen. But I’m very happy that he’s got the chance. I think football needs guys like him.

I think he stands for the right things in terms of coaching, evaluation of players, makeup of players. I think he’s honest, tough and he’s not afraid of confrontation. I think those things are all good.

After leaving the Cowboys, Zimmer went on to coordinate defenses in Atlanta (2007) and Cincinnati (2008-2013). In his first two seasons as a head coach, he has transformed the Vikings into winners. His team is built upon a committed running game, steady quarterbacking and, most of all, a tough defense.

Zimmer took over a five-win team and led the Vikings to a 7-9 record in his first season. Minnesota has improved to 9-5 so far this season, and playoffs are a very real possibility. With a strong finish, the Vikings can also displace the Green Bay Packers as NFC North champions for the first time since 2010.