BREAKING: Minnesota Vikings fire head coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman

January 10, 2022

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not yet made the announcement.

The move comes after a second straight absence from the playoffs. Zimmer went 72-56-1 in eight seasons, plus 2-3 in the playoffs.

The 65-year-old Zimmer had the seventh-longest tenure among NFL head coaches this season.

Spielman was with the team since 2006 and general manager since 2012.

 The moves were announced by Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf, who issued this statement:

“This morning we met with Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer to notify them we will be moving in a different direction at the general manager and head coach positions in 2022. We appreciate Rick and Mike’s commitment to the team’s on-field success, their passion for making a positive impact in our community and their dedication to players, coaches and staff. While these decisions are not easy, we believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so we can consistently contend for championships. We wish both Rick and Mike and their families only the best. Our comprehensive search for a new general manager and head coach will begin immediately and will be led internally. We are determined to have sustained success and bring Vikings fans the Super Bowl championships they expect and deserve.”

Zimmer is the third winningest coach in Vikings history, trailing Bud Grant and Dennis Green.