Report: Vikings May Not Hire Mike Zimmer Today and Interview Todd Bowles Again
By Jason Marcum
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach Mike Zimmer prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
Mike Zimmer is in Minnesota Tuesday interviewing the Vikings, and there’s been rampant speculation the team was set to hire him today and still may do so. Take this latest report with a grain of slat, but it doesn’t appear the team is going to offer him a contract to make him their next head coach today, according to Vikings Columnist Mike Marek of the Winona Post, who also reports the team plans to interview Todd Bowles for a second time:
Speaking of which:
Cardinals DC Todd Bowles has told the Browns to withdraw his name from their list of HC candidates, source tells @FOXSports1.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 14, 2014
There may even be a candidate emerging that’s been a secret until now: in the form of San Francisco 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula:
While he hasn't been scheduled for a 2nd interview, word is that #49ers DL coach Jim Tomsula interviewed well for the #Vikings HC job.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 14, 2014
Regardless, the Vikings don’t have to hire him today anyhow for him to leave Minnesota as their next head coach, as Zimmer is scheduled to stay in town until tomorrow:
Mike ZImmer Is not scheduled at this time to fly back to CIncinnati until Wednesday so there is no urgency on today's ongoing interview
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 14, 2014
If you saw the earlier report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, this makes since, as the Vikings are still planning on taking their time and probably won’t hire a coach until they have a chance to carefully examine all of their options, which may last until Super Bowl week:
"Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s name has gained momentum in recent days, especially in light of the decision to give him a second interview. But the Vikings also could be intent on taking a closer look at Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Because Minnesota interviewed both of them during the wild-card bye week, the Vikings can interview either or both for a second time next week, if the Seahawks qualify for the Super Bowl."
Zimmer is still at the Vikings complex, so plans could change while he’s there, but for now, it appears the team is planning to look at other options before making a hire:
Not Official but I'm hearing Mike Zimmer is still in Minnesota doing the all-out 'meet and greet'. My guess is he'll be named Vikings HC.
— Artrell Hawkins Jr. (@MinisterHawk) January 14, 2014
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