As the Vikings progress through OTAs, Mike Zimmer begins his fifth year as head coach. A lot has happened over the last four years, most of them good. Let’s take a look back at how the Vikings have progressed under Zimmer, the changes, the good and bad, and what’s yet to be done.
Taking Over From Leslie Frazier
When Mike Zimmer took over from Leslie Frazier following the 2013 season, the Vikings defense was ranked worst in the league in points allowed and second-worst in yards allowed. There were some key injuries that contributed to that (Harrison Smith was lost for the last half of the season, Xavier Rhodes, Josh Robinson and Chad Greenway were dealing with injuries as well and missed games), but there was also a defeated air as the season went on after a 1-7 start, Frazier’s status in doubt, morale poor, and any post-season hopes having died early on.