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.
The #Cowboys are expected to hire Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 9, 2024
Zimmer, 67, is the third-winningest head coach in #Vikings history and long respected for his defensive prowess. A big hire for Dallas, where Zimmer previously coached from 1994-2006. pic.twitter.com/jFq8KdIyNJ
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.
Cowboys block Dan Quinn from interviewing Al Harris
Throughout the search, Cowboys fans have monitored the future of Al Harris, who just wrapped another brilliant season coaching the team's secondary. Appearing on the "Adam Schefter Podcast" a few weeks ago, Harris was adamant about following Dan Quinn wherever he ended up.
After Quinn took the Commanders head coaching job, it was feared Harris would end up in Washington in some capacity. Amazingly, though, the Cowboys aren't about to let their up-and-coming assistant leave for nothing.
After blocking Quinn's interview request with Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells, Dallas denied the Commanders from speaking with Harris, per ESPN's Todd Archer.
In addition to blocking Washington from interviewing TE coach Lunda Wells, the Cowboys denied the Commanders from speaking with DBs coach Al Harris, per a source.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 8, 2024
This is great news for the Cowboys, and another thorn in the side of Quinn. It's no surprise Quinn intended on bringing a handful of Dallas assistants with him to Washington. It sounds like the Cowboys will stop the proverbial bleeding at Joe Whitt Jr., who left to become Quinn's defensive coordinator.
Following that move, there's no feasible promotion available for Harris on Quinn's staff. In fact, the Commanders on Thursday hired Jason Simmons as their DBs coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
This all but confirms Harris will return to Dallas in 2024.
Cowboys great Darren Woodson snubbed from the Hall of Fame again
We hate to end on a sour note, but the NFL announced its 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class during the NFL Honors on Thursday. The class consisted of Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Steve McMichael, Devin Hester, Julius Peppers and Randy Grandishar.
No mention of Darren Woodson, who was snubbed yet again. It begs the question of what more Woodson has to do to get into Canton.
“I'd be lying if I told you I'm not disappointed," Woodson told reporters. "I'm disappointed that I'm not going into the Hall of Fame. I can't control the outcome. My entire life has been that way. I've always had to work myself back up. Things were hard sometimes in my life, but they eventually just worked out. And I'm banking that at some point, this will work out."
Woodson's credentials are without question Hall-of-Fame-worthy. He's a three-time Super Bowl champion, a three-time first-team All-Pro and five time Pro Bowler. He also revolutionized the safety position, as he was among the first DBs to wreak havoc in the box.
Woodson has now been a finalist two years running. He's certainly trending in the direction of entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was flat out robbed. Again. Hopefully, voters get it right next year, but we're not holding our breath.