The strained relationship between former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer was evident and was a factor in the franchise moving on from both of them following the 2021 NFL season.
Since then, Zimmer has returned to the Dallas Cowboys and Spielman moved into an analysis/advisor role. However, the reason for their professional relationship souring was mostly a mystery to Vikings fans.
Mike Zimmer reveals when Rick Spielman relationship soured with Vikings
Recently, the Minnesota Star Tribune shared an article that discusses that relationship and why the two individuals failed to maintain a friendly nature, the tragic loss of his son, and his passion for returning to the NFL as a coach.
The Star Tribune revealed that the problems started on the day of the 2021 NFL Draft. The two had previously communicated well but that wasn't the case on this day and Spielman allegedly had some ideas at quarterback that were not shared by Zimmer.
"The first round, Rick tried to trade up for Justin Fields, who hasn’t done anything,"
- Mike Zimmer via the Star Tribune
But that wasn't all. After failing to trade up for Justin Fields, Rick Spielman selected several players without Zimmer in the room. Those players included linebacker Chazz Surratt, offensive lineman Wyatt Davis, and defensive end Patrick Jones.
The straw that broke the camel's back is when Spielman drafted Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond in the third round.
"When he picked Mond, I walked out of the room. I left the building. I didn’t even talk to him on the phone."
- Mike Zimmer via the Star Tribune
According to the Star Tribune, Zimmer acknowledges that he could have done more to repair the relationship, but hasn't contacted Spielman since they departed from the Minnesota Vikings despite the former general manager reaching out via text.
"“The morning after the Packers game, I have my usual conference call with the owners. Rick didn’t want me to ask the question, but I did. I said, ‘What about me? What’s my status at the end of the season?’ And Mark said, ‘We’re evaluating.' I knew it was over."
- Mike Zimmer via the Star Tribune
Zimmer led the Vikings to a 72-56-1 record as a head coach in Minnesota. The article states that he doesn't think he'll get another opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL and isn't sure he would even want that position again.
This implosion was a factor in the Minnesota Vikings moving on from Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer in favor of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell. Since that change, the team has a record of 20-14 with one Wild Card playoff loss.
