Vikings Fans React To Hiring Of Mike Zimmer
Read More: Vikings Pick Mike Zimmer As New Coach
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - When the Minnesota Vikings let head coach Leslie Frazier go, many fans said they'd like to see a more fiery coach on the sidelines.
It appears they're getting their wish.
Just down the road from Vikings' headquarters, the lunch crowd at Joe Senser's watched Wednesday's reports with a mix of hope and weariness.
"I probably have been disappointed enough times that I'm never that optimistic anymore," said Vikings fan Matt Johnson.
But as hopeful as Vikings fans can be, most say the team is making a good move, going again for someone with a defensive background.
"The defense was one of the big issues. We were in last [in] most every category in defense, so that's something that needs to be improved," said fan Brandon Hall.
Fans pointed to four games this season where the Vikings blew leads as time was running out.
"We used to have a bend-but-don't-break defense, and that just wasn't the case," said fan Nick LeVang. "We were breaking down at the wrong times and that really hurt us in the long run."
Many fans like what they've seen of Coach Zimmer's demeanor, especially the way he pushes his players to work hard.
And many are focused on the offense as well. They realize that an NFL coach can rise and fall purely based on his quarterback. it's a need the team will have to address as well.