Who are realistic options to replace Frazier?

[PurpleKoolaid]

Zimmer and Horton are both opposites of Fraizer. I don't see the Wilf's going that far. I wish, but I don't see it. In fact, I bet the Wilf's keep Fraizer. And I bet Ponder starts next year. They don't know the difference between players liking a coach and respecting one. And if they were to fire Fraizer they would be admitting they have screwed up everything since they came to MN. Well other then getting the state to pay an ABSURD amount for the Wilf's stadium.

[Demi]

That doesn't mean it can't work for the Vikings. Ask yourself this: how many former Super Bowl-winning coaches have gone on to win the Super Bowl with another team? How many coaches have even coached in the Super Bowl for two different teams?

It's not just about winning a super bowl, it's about putting an organization in place that can have success. Knowing how to set up scouting departments, working with front offices, running the draft...preparing for games, someone who's had to oversee an entire team before. Who's had to make the calls as a head coach. Who has connections and coaches throughout the league they know and can turn to.

A strong GM could serve a similar role, if they don't hire someone else who's never handled that type of responsibility. Or in Spielmans case...someone who has never had any real success elsewhere.

[saint33]

Glad Zimmer is getting some attention, he's been my choice for a while now. Every where he's gone he's done well I think.

Here are some quotes / things taken from his wiki page.

Dallas Cowboys

"The 2003 Dallas Cowboys defense gave up the fewest yards in the NFL while running an aggressive, speedy 4-3 defense. Despite the Cowboys' problems over the years, Zimmer survived several coaching changes (Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells)"

"In 2005, he implemented the 3-4 defense favored by head coach Bill Parcells, although Zimmer had no prior experience with it."

Cincinnati Bengals

"Zimmer was named the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals on January 15, 2008. In 2009, Zimmer earned NFL Assistant Coach of the Year honors from Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers and from CBSSports.com, after guiding the Bengals to the 4th ranked defense in the league."

"In 2011, the Bengals finished with the 7th ranked defense in total yards and 9th ranked defense in points allowed."

"In 2012, the Bengals finished with the 6th ranked defense in total yards and 8th ranked defense in points allowed, prompting the Cleveland Browns to interview Zimmer for their head coaching vacancy. The Browns eventually hired former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski on January 11, 2013."

And if you're wondering, the Bengals defense is ranked 6th in points allowed and 8th in yards allowed RIGHT NOW, so looking like yet another top 10 finish.

He's a guy who's gotten it done for nearly 2 decades in the NFL and has regularly sported a top 10 defense throughout the years. He prefers an aggressive 4-3 defense which is exactly what a lot of us that are tired with the soft cover 2 are looking for. However, he also has some experience with a 3-4 so options are there. Time clearly hasn't passed his style by like it has with the soft cover 2.

His dad played football, he played football, he coaches football, his son coaches football, and I think he's the real deal with a great pedigree. Now maybe that doesn't translate to super awesome head coach but there's only one way to find out.

Plus he has a great record of getting the best out of players who either have off field problems or have fizzled out with other teams. Pacman Jones, Vontaze Burfict to name a few problem children. And getting good production from guys like Reggie Nelson, Taylor Mays, Terence Newman, Roy Williams, Wallace Gilberry after they had been all but written off by their old teams as too old or not talented enough.

[CbusVikesFan]

If Mike Zimmer wants a head coaching job, someone will hire him. And he will succeed. The Bengals defense is pretty good and getting better. Zimmer has a way with players obviously keeping his players on the straight and narrow and focused. Taking Burfict after being undrafted and the guy is leading the NFL in tackles, what a steal.