In a recent conversation with Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, former Vikings head coach and current Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer did not hold back. He directed some pointed criticism at former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.
While their tenure together from 2014 through 2020 may have had its share of ups and downs, Zimmer, known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, honed in on the 2021 draft. The Vikings already had a quarterback, but Zimmer was taken aback to discover that Spielman was still closely analyzing quarterbacks, without keeping him informed.
“I walk in before the draft and Rick is watching quarterback interviews from the combine,” Zimmer revealed to Craig. “He hadn’t told me anything. Normally, he always kept me abreast of everything. And he and I were always good.”
Zimmer confirmed rumors circulating at the start of the 2021 draft regarding Spielman’s attempt to trade up for Justin Fields. Although Zimmer downplayed Fields’ accomplishments, suggesting that the young quarterback “hasn’t done anything,” it is worth noting that Fields possesses impressive running ability and is making strides as a passer. He may even become the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point this season.
Following Spielman’s failed pursuit of Fields, he selected quarterback Kellen Mond in the third round. Mond was among four third-round picks, alongside linebacker Chazz Surratt, offensive lineman Wyatt Davis, and defensive end Patrick Jones II.
“When he picked Mond, I walked out of the room,” Zimmer recounted. “I left the building. I didn’t even talk to [Spielman] on the phone.”
The fallout from these draft decisions strained the relationship between Zimmer and Spielman even further. Zimmer recounted how Spielman later asked if he was upset, to which Zimmer responded affirmatively. He expressed his frustration, believing that Spielman opted for backups when potential starters were still on the board. Despite acknowledging his own faults in the situation, Zimmer felt that tensions escalated between them from that point onward.
In the world of football, where egos clash and decisions have far-reaching consequences, the dynamic between coaches and front office personnel can play a pivotal role in shaping a team’s success. In this case, the fallout from the 2021 draft decisions lingered, leaving behind a trail of tension and discontent. The narrative between Zimmer and Spielman serves as a cautionary tale of how differences in vision and communication breakdowns can have a lasting impact on a team’s trajectory.
