The Dallas Cowboys hired former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer to take over as the defensive coordinator this season despite only giving up 18.5 points per game last season, which was good for fifth in the league.
Cowboys safety Malik Hooker has provided some insight on what it’s like to work with his new DC as he heads into his fourth year in Dallas.
Hooker recently spoke with Keyshawn Johnson on his podcast All Facts No Brakes and said that the defense was successful last season so he doesn’t expect things to be too different while adding about his new coach’s quiet nature, “You may not always see him in your meetings, but on that field, you’re going to hear from him.”
Malik Hooker on new Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer:
“You may not always see him in your meetings, but on that field, you’re going to hear from him.” pic.twitter.com/UiWbODcXPO
— All Facts No Brakes (@AllFactsPod) July 2, 2024
Hooker praised former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as a great player’s coach who let his guys be themselves and also praised Zimmer for not coming in and attempting to change so many of the things that worked so well for this defense last season.
Hooker picked up 50 tackles and an interception last season and has found new life in Dallas’ secondary after his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts ended poorly due to injuries.
The safety played in 16 games for a second consecutive year and has missed just four games in three years with the Cowboys, so it’s no wonder he doesn’t want to see things change too much.
Zimmer is inheriting a talented group of guys, and it’s great to hear that his presence is being felt without him trying to do too much.
With a few minor tweaks, this should once again be one of the league’s most elite defenses.
