Vikings coach Mike Zimmer shoots down rumors he could retire or resign

Mike Zimmer has battled some health issues in recent years and is coming off a disappointing season in which the Minnesota Vikings failed to make the playoffs, but the head coach insists he is not going anywhere — at least voluntarily.

In a text message to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network on Monday, Zimmer made it clear that he has no plans to resign or retire. Pelissero was also told by sources that Zimmer is not expected to be fired.

Text from #Vikings coach Mike Zimmer: "I'm not retiring or resigning. Period." Disappointment still fresh, but multiple team sources tell me they'd be shocked if Zimmer is out. He's under contract for 2019.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 31, 2018

Zimmer is only under contract through 2019, so the Vikings could give him an extension to avoid having him enter a lame-duck season. There has been speculation that Zimmer could have interest in the Bengals’ head coaching job if it becomes available, as he served as the defensive coordinator in Cincinnati from 2008-2013. However, it is clear he is committed to Minnesota.

The Vikings were expected to be a legitimate contender in the NFC after they signed Kirk Cousins to a record contract, but Cousins was not all that sharp in his first season with the team. Minnesota’s defense was also a disappointment, and the tough season inspired Zimmer’s daughter to passionately defend the coach in an Instagram post recently.