Minnesota Vikings lock up head coach Mike Zimmer for long haul

There’s a lot to get excited about with the Minnesota Vikings’ future — a new stadium and a talented roster.

Another big reason for optimism, head coach Mike Zimmer, apparently isn’t going anywhere for a long time. The Vikings announced that they have signed Zimmer to a contract extension prior to his third year on the job. The news came as a bit of a surprise as the Vikings reported to camp. Terms of the contract are not yet known.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer won't be going anywhere for a long time (Getty Images) — Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer won’t be going anywhere for a long time (Getty Images)

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“We expect Mike to be here a long, long time,” Vikings GM Rick Spielman said.

The long-time NFL assistant lost five of his first seven games as head coach but rallied with a strong finish in 2014 and led the Vikings to an 11-5 mark last season and a division title. His 18-14 mark is the franchise’s best after two season behind only the late Dennis Green.

Even with last season’s shocking playoff loss on a final-minute missed field-goal attempt against the Seattle Seahawks, there is a ton of hope up north. The Vikings even are receiving some dark-horse Super Bowl mention in some circles.

“I feel very, very fortunate to be the coach of the #Vikings.” – Coach Zimmer pic.twitter.com/lPY3Gpqf9p

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 28, 2016

“Mike has instilled a very positive atmosphere over the past three years and our players have thrived under his tutelage and leadership,” Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “His focus on helping our players develop and maximize potential, individually and collectively, is critical for our current and future success. We believe the continuity established with Mike leading our football team is a very positive step for our organization.”

Zimmer wasn’t sure he’d ever get a chance to be a head coach in the league, but he has run with this one. He also has built a very experienced coaching staff (three former head coaches as assistants) around a young, talented roster that might lack in playoff success but has sky-high potential.

The Vikings are set up to succeed over the long term, and as Shutdown Corner’s Frank Schwab writes in his 2016 Vikings season preview they could have enough to make a Super Bowl during Adrian Peterson’s final years.

A lot of the credit deserves to go Zimmer’s way. An undisciplined team at one time, Zimmer has helped shape and mold the roster into his own likeness: tough and unrelenting. And even though they might not be the favorites in the NFC North because of the presence of the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings once more will be very tough foes.