Reports: Vikings Hire Mike Zimmer as Head Coach

(AP) Reports: Vikings hire Mike Zimmer as head coach
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.
The Minnesota Vikings will hire Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as their new head coach, according to multiple media reports.

Zimmer will replace Leslie Frazier, who was fired after the team finished 5-10-1 this season. Zimmer will be the ninth head coach in the franchise’s 54-year history, according to reports that emerged Wednesday.

General manager Rick Spielman interviewed at least seven candidates for the job including Zimmer, who spent Tuesday at Vikings headquarters talking with team officials. Zimmer has been an NFL defensive coordinator for the last 14 seasons, six with the Bengals. He has 20 years as an NFL assistant on his resume.

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AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org