The Dallas Cowboys have finally reportedly moved on from Jason Garrett, officially creating a head coaching vacancy for “America’s Team.” There have been plenty of rumors that a high-profile college name like Lincoln Riley or Urban Meyer could land the job, but it’s possible that a current NFL head coach could become Jerry Jones’ top choice.

Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer has been pegged by multiple NFL insiders as a name to watch for the Cowboys. Both Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and ESPN’s Dan Graziano have noted that Zimmer could become a candidate, even though he’s under contract with Minnesota through the 2020 season.

The Vikings would have to agree to let Zimmer go to the Cowboys, potentially asking for multiple draft picks in return. It’s unknown how much interest Minnesota would have in doing such a trade.

The New Orleans Saints host the Vikings Sunday in a wild-card playoff game. A Minnesota loss—the Vikings are heavy underdogs—could potentially help Dallas’ chances of hiring Zimmer, if that’s something they want to pursue.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski could be promoted to Minnesota’s head coach if Zimmer leaves. Stefanski is considered to be a serious candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ opening at head coach.

Zimmer was a defensive coach with the Cowboys from 1994-2006. Dallas’ defense was arguably the team’s biggest disappointment in the 2019 season, considering the offense ranked first overall.

The Cowboys ranked ninth in yards allowed and 11th in points allowed.

Zimmer has gone 57-38-1 in six seasons as Minnesota’s head coach with three trips to the playoffs and one NFC Championship Game appearance. The Vikings have only had one losing season under Zimmer.

jerry Jones dallas cowboys
Jason Garrett head coach of the Dallas Cowboys talks with owner Jerry Jones prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
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