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NFL Coach Power Rankings: Where Jay Gruden fits in among the 32 coaches

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during warm ups prior to the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during warm ups prior to the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

. Head Coach. Minnesota Vikings. Mike Zimmer. 3. player. 60

For quite some time, it seemed like Mike Zimmer would never get a shot at a head coaching job. In 2013, after 14 years as an NFL defensive coordinator, Zimmer finally got a chance to become a head coach, and he joined the Minnesota Vikings. And needless to say, the fit was perfect.

Zimmer took over a young Minnesota team that had a lot of talent. They were built as a ground-and-pound team with the makings of a good defense. But when Zimmer came to town, that changed. He spent a lot of early draft picks on defense to make them an elite squad. And it paid off, as they were the No. 1 overall defense in the league in 2017.

Zimmer has done a lot to add guys like Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Danielle Hunter, and Ben Gedeon to the defense. These guys have become stars, starters, and glue guys that have kept the elite Vikings defense together. Zimmer helped to make Xavier Rhodes one of the league’s best corners, and the defensive line play has been excellent as well. Zimmer can certainly be thanked for a lot of that.

On offense, Zimmer has done a good job of finding quality coordinators, including Pat Shurmur who was just hired to coach the Giants. This has allowed the team to cycle through many different starters, including Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, and Case Keenum, during his tenure. This flexibility offered the team numerous possibilities and opportunities all while keeping chemistry high.

Zimmer is an easy coach to praise. He is excellent at leading defense, the team respects him, and he has built a quality offense through player development despite uncertainty at many positions. Now, he will face his biggest challenge. Making Kirk Cousins live up to the massive contract he signed.

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