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Mike Zimmer reportedly interested in Cowboys defensive coordinator job

As of this writing, the Cowboys have an interview slated with former Commanders coach Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The list of candidates will likely expand in the coming days, and it could grow quickly if coaches throw their name into the mix.

That's exactly the case with Mike Zimmer, who's interested in the job, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. The 67-year-old Zimmer last coached in the NFL with the Vikings in 2021. He took Minnesota to the playoffs three times in eight seasons, culminating in a NFC Championship Game appearance in 2017.

Of course, Zimmer made a name for himself with the Cowboys. He was an assistant under Barry Switzer and Chan Gailey for six seasons before he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000. It was a poorly-timed promotion for Zimmer, as Dallas was in a transition period following their dynastic run in the 90s.

Anything is possible with Jerry Jones at the helm, so Cowboys fans are expecting him to hire the most random candidate possible. There've been calls on social media for ex-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, former Giants DC Wink Martindale and ex-Chargers head coach Brandon Staley.

Given his history with Jones, Zimmer might just be the presumptive favorite.