Mike Zimmer & Rick Spielman Issue Separate Post-Firing Statements

This morning, the Minnesota Vikings issued the following statement announcing the firing of head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.

This morning we met with Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer to notify them that we will be moving in a different direction at the GM and Head Coach positions in 2022. We appreciate Rick and Mike’s commitment to the team’s success on the field, their passion for making a positive impact on our community and his dedication to the players, coaches and staff. While these decisions are not easy, we believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so that we can consistently compete for championships. We wish Rick and Mike and their families the best. Our comprehensive search for a new General Manager and Head Coach will begin immediately and will be driven internally. We are determined to have sustained success and provide Vikings fans with the Super Bowl championships they expect and deserve.

Following the Vikings announcement, Rick Spielman followed up with a statement of his own.

I am honored to have been a part of the Minnesota Vikings organization and this amazing community for the past 16 years. The people of this state welcomed me and my family and treated us with the utmost respect during our tenure. Michelle and I create many special memories with our children here, and we will always call Minnesota our home. Viking fans, you are one of the most passionate of all sports. The tremendous game day atmosphere and home advantage at US Bank Stadium is thanks to each of you. There is nothing like the emotions that we share together at the beginning of every Sunday. To the Vikings players, coaches and staff, I sincerely appreciate your tireless efforts to win and your dedication to this community and fan base. There are so many talented people in this organization and because of that, the Vikings will continue to be a special place in the future. Finally, I want to thank Zygi & Mark Wilf and the entire Wilf family for believing in me and consistently providing me with the resources for us to be successful as soccer operations staff. It’s not common in the NFL to be in one position for that long, which shows how this ownership group believes in stability and supports its leaders. While today is emotional, I wish the Minnesota Vikings and Vikings fans nothing but future success.

Mike Zimmer followed up with a statement of his own.

I want to thank you for your support during these eight years. I have come to love the people of Minnesota, it has become our home. It has been tremendous for my foundation and has helped the children of Minnesota. We had great sponsors and met a lot of great people, including my relationship with Bud Grant and everyone in the offices. I have given my heart and soul to this organization and to the players. I have had excellent assistant coaches who have worked tirelessly. I’m sorry we didn’t. The fans make this place really special. On Sunday afternoon at US Bank Stadium, there is an incredible atmosphere. I will miss coaching the players, some of whom have been with me for eight years. I want to thank the players who welcomed me in 2014 and believed in me that I could lead them to be great.

Classy responses from both boys on what was certainly an emotional day.

The Vikings owning team says it will first hire a new general manager, who will then have a say in hiring a new head coach.

Vikings SCHOOL!