Former Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer Expected to Retire

Zimmer coached the Bengals defense for six seasons.

Nov 27, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinate Mike Zimmer talks to tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-Imagn Images | Frank Victores-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Former Bengals and Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer won't return to Dallas next season.

Zimmer "will likely retire" according to Ed Werder. The former Vikings head coach spent six seasons as the Bengals defensive coordinator (2008-2013) under Marvin Lewis.

Zimmer was the Cowboys defensive coordinator last season. Dallas promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach on Friday night.

Mike Zimmer tells me that he will not be returning to the #Cowboys as a member of Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching staff and will likely retire from coaching in the NFL.
Zimmer served as defensive coordinator last season. Cowboys likely to hire Matt Eberflus as DC, per sources. pic.twitter.com/MhKp1Lpfkv

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 26, 2025

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