Exclusive to the Cowboys: Mike Zimmer’s Opinion

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL, are often under intense scrutiny, especially when it comes to decisions that shape the trajectory of their success or failure. From coaching hires to draft picks and trade decisions, every move is dissected by fans, analysts, and media alike. When former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks, his words often carry significant weight, as he brings with him decades of experience in the NFL, both as a defensive coordinator and a head coach. In an exclusive interview with the Dallas Cowboys, Zimmer provided candid insights into the state of the Cowboys’ franchise, their leadership structure, and the direction he believes the team should take in order to reclaim their place as a Super Bowl contender.

Zimmer on the Cowboys’ Leadership and Head Coaching Situation

Zimmer, known for his strong opinions and straightforward demeanor, began by addressing the Cowboys’ leadership and the much-discussed decision to pass over Kellen Moore for the head coaching job in 2025. While Zimmer acknowledged Moore’s offensive prowess, he pointed out that being an offensive coordinator and a head coach require very different skill sets.

“It’s a big difference from calling plays and running a team,” Zimmer remarked. “Kellen is a bright guy, no question. He’s done some great things with the offense, but being a head coach is about managing the entire team — players, coaches, media, front office. You need to be able to control the room, make hard decisions, and take responsibility for everything that happens on that field. The Cowboys have a lot of talent, but leadership needs to come from the top.”

Zimmer expressed his belief that the Cowboys may have made the right decision by looking outside the organization for a head coach with more experience in managing all aspects of a football team. He emphasized that Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, was likely considering both long-term success and immediate results when evaluating candidates for the role.

“Dallas is a unique situation,” Zimmer added. “You’ve got Jerry Jones involved in every decision. He wants results, and he wants them now. That’s why the Cowboys have typically gone with coaches who have head coaching experience. It’s not just about the Xs and Os — it’s about handling pressure, media, and dealing with the expectations of being a Cowboy. It’s a heavy burden.”

Zimmer’s Take on the Current Cowboys Defense

One area in which Zimmer’s expertise is highly regarded is defensive strategy. As a former defensive coordinator for both the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals and the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Zimmer has a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t on that side of the ball. He offered a frank assessment of the Cowboys’ current defensive roster, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.

“The defense has talent, but they’ve been inconsistent,” Zimmer said. “You’ve got a lot of playmakers — Micah Parsons is as good as any linebacker or edge rusher in the league, and Trevon Diggs can change the game with his interceptions. But consistency is the key, especially in big moments.”

Zimmer’s critique of the Cowboys’ defense centered around the team’s ability to finish games and stay disciplined when the pressure is at its highest. “I’ve seen too many games where they’ll have a lead, but then give it away in the final minutes,” he noted. “A great defense doesn’t just make plays; they make sure those plays don’t turn into problems later on. It’s about staying fundamentally sound, having great communication, and understanding what it takes to close games out.”

Zimmer also called for better cohesion between the defensive line and the secondary. “You can’t have one without the other. If the pass rush isn’t getting home, the secondary can only cover for so long. And vice versa — if the secondary isn’t holding up, the pass rush can’t get to the quarterback as effectively. They need to play as a unit.”

In Zimmer’s opinion, the Cowboys’ defense has been too reliant on individual brilliance rather than team execution. He compared this to some of the defenses he coached, like those in Minnesota, where a balanced, unit-driven approach was paramount. Zimmer also suggested that the Cowboys may benefit from additional depth in the defensive backfield, particularly with veteran leadership to help stabilize a unit that can sometimes be prone to lapses in coverage.

“The good teams have depth everywhere, but especially in the back end of the defense,” Zimmer said. “Having a solid mix of veterans and young players can really make a difference. You need to know how to play off each other and trust each other.”

Zimmer’s Thoughts on Dak Prescott and the Offense

On the offensive side, Zimmer didn’t hold back either when talking about Dak Prescott and the direction the Cowboys need to take offensively. He acknowledged Prescott’s talent but pointed out that the Cowboys need more from their quarterback when it comes to consistency and leadership in high-pressure moments.

“Dak’s a good quarterback. He’s a tough guy, a great leader in the locker room, but he’s got to be more consistent,” Zimmer said. “There are times when he plays really well, but in big moments, he tends to press. I think the pressure of being in Dallas, where the expectations are sky-high, can get to him sometimes.”

Zimmer stressed the importance of Dak Prescott’s decision-making, particularly in clutch situations. “The best quarterbacks don’t just put up great stats — they make the right decision when the game is on the line. Dak has the ability to do that, but he needs to continue improving in that area,” Zimmer explained. “The Cowboys’ offense, and especially Dak, needs to focus on playing smart football and not turning the ball over. That will be key if they want to take the next step.”

Zimmer also mentioned the importance of surrounding Prescott with a strong supporting cast. “You need more than just a good quarterback. You need a system that works for him, offensive line protection, and playmakers at wide receiver. The Cowboys have some talent, but they need to get more out of their playmakers. You can’t rely on one guy to do everything — it’s a team effort.”

He pointed to the Cowboys’ running game, led by Tony Pollard, as an area where the offense could improve. “Pollard has great potential, but they need to get him involved more consistently, and they need to establish the run early in games to help take pressure off Dak.”

Zimmer on the Cowboys’ Playoff Failures

One of the most pointed comments from Zimmer was about the Cowboys’ continued failure to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs in recent years. While Dallas has boasted a competitive team, they’ve struggled to close out games when it matters most. Zimmer didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges this creates for the Cowboys’ future.

“Look, there’s a ton of talent on this team, but the question is, why do they keep falling short?” Zimmer asked. “Sometimes it’s a lack of discipline. Sometimes it’s about not executing in critical moments. And sometimes, it’s just a matter of leadership and mentality. You need to have a team that understands how to win in the postseason.”

Zimmer suggested that the Cowboys need to change their mentality if they are to break through and make a legitimate Super Bowl run. “They need to be a team that thrives in the postseason, not just in the regular season. There’s a different energy in the playoffs, and if you don’t have the right mindset, you’re not going to make it.”

He also noted that the Cowboys’ playoff failures could be linked to a lack of continuity and experience in crucial spots. “You look at teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers — they have leadership and experience on both sides of the ball. They know how to win the big game. The Cowboys need to instill that kind of mentality throughout the team.”

Zimmer’s Ideal Cowboys Head Coach

When asked who he would hire as the next head coach of the Cowboys, Zimmer didn’t give a specific name, but he did outline the qualities he believes are crucial for success in Dallas.

“They need a coach who understands the pressure of coaching in Dallas, someone who’s proven they can handle big moments,” Zimmer said. “A great head coach knows how to balance everything — offense, defense, and special teams — while also managing personalities and expectations. They need someone who can make tough decisions and build a strong culture.”

Zimmer highlighted the importance of team culture as a foundational element of success. “Culture is everything. It’s not just about schemes or players; it’s about building a mentality where everyone buys in and plays for the team. The Cowboys have a lot of talented players, but they need a coach who can bring it all together.”

Mike Zimmer’s Vision for the Cowboys

Mike Zimmer’s thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys offer an insightful, often candid look at the state of the team. While the Cowboys have plenty of talent and promise, they face significant challenges in terms of consistency, leadership, and mentality. Zimmer’s perspective on their defensive and offensive strategies, as well as the head coaching decision, provides a balanced and honest evaluation of the team’s potential.

For the Cowboys to finally reach their Super Bowl goals, it will take more than just talent on paper. It will take a change in culture, leadership, and mindset, and Zimmer’s insights into the team’s struggles and opportunities offer a valuable roadmap for the future. Whether or not the Cowboys follow his advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Zimmer’s experience and knowledge of the game make him a valuable voice in the ongoing discussion about what it takes to lead this storied franchise to the promised land.