Mike Zimmer opens up about return to Cowboys: ‘This is where I wanted to come’

It only took him 18 years but Mike Zimmer is finally back in Dallas. The new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator opened up during his introductory press conference on Wednesday and shared what it feels like to return to DFW and his former team after all these years.

“It feels outstanding,” Zimmer said, sitting alongside Mike McCarthy. “I have two grandkids, twins, that my daughter has. I’m excited to be around them a little bit more. I’ve always loved Dallas. I’ve always loved the Cowboys.

“Did I ever think I’d be back? I don’t know. I always kind of hoped I would be. When my time was off, I’d had some phone calls [about] going places. I wanted to be somewhere I knew people, and I trusted people. So, when this opportunity came up, I was excited because the relationship I had with Mike and even the conversations we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Dallas has the advantage of family for Zimmer but it was the prospect of coaching a unit stocked with talent that drew the former Vikings head coach back to the NFL for the first time since 2021.

“I knew right away it was the right opportunity,” Zimmer said. “There was another club talking to me. This is where I wanted to come. Mike and I had some great conversations on the phone. We had some great conversations since I’ve been here. I’ve always been comfortable with Stephen and Jerry [Jones]. They’ve been outstanding to my family when I was here way back when.

“There was never a question of whether or I not I wanted to be here. Of the 32 teams, you probably couldn’t think of more than one I wanted to be at.”

Zimmer pushes back on ‘jerk’ narrative

After several former players opened up about his coaching and leadership styles this week, the new DC had to offer up a comment on his so-called “hard a--” reputation. Darren Woodson warned Cowboys players that it won’t be “cuddly and kumbaya” under Zimmer.

“There’s a reputation out there that I’m a jerk or something like that,” the coach responded. “But you know, since I was announced, I’ve heard from so many players that played for me… I think if I was such a jerk, I wouldn’t be hearing from those guys.”

Woodson had advice this week to the players currently on the roster about how to get the most out of their time with Zimmer.

“I would say, ‘Man, give him time,’” Woodson said. “He’s going to be callous when he comes in. Don’t be sensitive. The guy wants to win. He wants to win at all costs. He’s the most competitive sumb---- I’ve ever met. Give him time and you’ll get it. You’ll understand.

“You’re going to have to be ready. And you’re going to bite him too. He’s looking for the fight too. Don’t back down because he’s OK with it. But just have some thick skin.”