A special shoutout goes to Joe Hoyt from All City DLLS for raising an intriguing point about the future of Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is also in a contract year, just like head coach Mike McCarthy, who signed a one-year deal during the offseason. As the Cowboys’ front office, led by the Jones family, continues to evaluate McCarthy’s future following their disastrous 41-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, they’re also facing the tough decision of what to do with Zimmer, who’s played a significant role in the team’s defensive improvement as the season has progressed. The defense has undoubtedly looked sharper in recent weeks, and there’s a reasonable chance that Zimmer’s success could secure him another season, regardless of McCarthy’s ultimate fate.

However, Hoyt introduced a key question that has been lingering in the air: Does Zimmer even want to come back for another season? This question was posed when Zimmer was asked by ESPN’s Ed Werder about how much he was enjoying his return to coaching. Zimmer responded with a joking remark, “Oh yeah, I’m having a blast.” Yet, when pressed further about potentially returning next year, Zimmer was noncommittal, saying, “We’ll see at the end of the year.” This raises an important issue—while Zimmer may be playing along with the media, his true feelings about his role in Dallas could be different. Hoyt pointed out that it’s not a given that Zimmer is genuinely enjoying his second stint as an NFL defensive coordinator.

At 69 years old, Zimmer is nearing the tail end of his career, and the upcoming 2025 NFL season will mark his 24th year in the league. After parting ways with the Minnesota Vikings following the 2020 season, Zimmer spent two years (2021 and 2022) as a football analyst and consultant under Deion Sanders at the college level. His time away from the NFL provided him with a different perspective on the game, and it’s entirely possible that his return to the NFL was motivated by more than just a love for coaching—it could have been about the challenge or the opportunity to work with a new team and staff. However, if Zimmer truly finds himself less than enthusiastic about coaching in the NFL once again, he has the freedom to walk away. There’s no contract tying him to the Cowboys beyond this season, and if his heart isn’t in it, he might choose to retire or explore other opportunities.

In a candid moment last week, Zimmer opened up about the difficulties he’s faced in his return to coaching. “It’s been hard, I’m not going to lie about that,” he admitted. “It’s hard, it’s been hard.” This statement provides a glimpse into the challenges he’s encountered, perhaps adjusting to the pace of the NFL after a brief hiatus, or dealing with the pressure of being a defensive coordinator in a league that’s constantly evolving. The stress and demands of the job may have been more taxing than Zimmer anticipated, and at this stage in his career, it’s understandable that he might start to question whether he still wants to endure these challenges.

That being said, coaches in football often find it incredibly difficult to leave the game behind, especially someone like Zimmer, who has spent decades shaping defenses in the NFL. The competitive drive and passion for the game are deeply ingrained in many coaches, and while Zimmer may be feeling the weight of his role, it’s hard to imagine him completely walking away from coaching after so many years in the league. The allure of a championship, the opportunity to mentor young players, and the chance to build a winning defense might be too strong to ignore, even if the journey feels more difficult than before.

Ultimately, only time will tell what happens with Zimmer’s future in Dallas. The Cowboys’ front office will likely have to make a decision soon, but Zimmer himself might not be in a rush to commit to another year, especially if he feels that the team’s defense isn’t quite where it needs to be. If the Cowboys do decide to offer him another season, it will be interesting to see whether Zimmer is motivated by the challenge of refining the defense further or whether he feels that the team’s roster is not equipped to reach its full potential under his leadership.

One thing is certain: If the Cowboys do make a pitch to Zimmer this offseason, he will likely have some demands of his own. It’s clear that Zimmer isn’t the type to settle for mediocrity, and if he returns to the Cowboys, he will expect a stronger defensive roster to work with. Whether that means adding key pieces to the defense or making adjustments to the coaching staff, Zimmer’s decision to return will likely depend on the resources and support the Cowboys are willing to provide him. If the Cowboys want to retain him for another season, they’ll need to show that they are committed to building a defense that can compete at a championship level, something that Zimmer has always strived for throughout his career.