Cowboys News: Mike Zimmer returns as DC, Al Harris, Darren Woodson snubbed again

It's been a whirlwind week for Dallas Cowboys fans. That'll happen when you interview Rex Ryan out of nowhere, but the search for a defensive coordinator ended Thursday night after reports claimed the Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as their new DC.

The Cowboys considered a plethora of candidates, including current defensive line coach Aden Durde, who reportedly gave a strong interview, as well as ex-Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel.

Zimmer, who expressed interest in the job seemingly before the Cowboys even requested an interview, was widely viewed as the top candidate available.

Cowboys reportedly hire Mike Zimmer to replace Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator

Zimmer produced five top-10 scoring defenses in his eight seasons as Vikings head coach. He demands accountability from his players and his ability to change schemes depending on the opponent should move mountains following Dan Quinn's stubborn stint in charge of the defense.

This will be Zimmer's second rodeo with the Cowboys. He started as a defensive assistant in 1994 before presiding over the defensive backs in '95, which was Dallas' last Super Bowl triumph. Zimmer manned that post for five years before he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000. He held that title until 2006 under two different head coaches: Dave Campo and Bill Parcells.

The process of hiring Zimmer didn't sit right with fans. The fact Jerry Jones with whom he has a previous working relationship may not move the needle. Despite that, the Jones family landed on the DC that most fans preferred.

This wasn't the only good news to come out of Thursday, though.