Dallas Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer and Micah Parsons “develop” together

When the Dallas Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator during the offseason, the immediate reaction was whether his rough, prehistoric approach to players had died out in today's NFL.

Fortunately for the Cowboys, Zimmer is not fossilized yet. Since arriving in Dallas, Zimmer has seemingly evolved from his time as head coach with the Minnesota Vikings. He spoke about his personality and acknowledged that he was “grumpy” at times during his coaching career. That fiery personality made Zimmer a respected defensive coordinator and eventual head coach.

However, if he was going to make a comeback after a few seasons off, Zimmer had to find his softer side. After all, he fills the void left by former coordinator Dan Quinn, which is a contrast to Quinn's previous approach to his players.

The current head coach of the Washington Commanders was always the fun uncle in Dallas, getting his defense to relax and play for each other. During his three years in Dallas, Quinn's personality helped mold a defense that ranked in the top 10 in most categories.

When Zimmer came on the scene, fans wondered if the coordinator had changed and how he would cope with someone like All-Pro Micah Parsons, who had grown very fond of Quinn and their relationship.

This melding of personalities never seemed to be a problem, as Parsons and Zimmer spent a lot of time together during the offseason, sometimes over breakfast, to discuss and develop their approach for the upcoming season.

“It's going to be exciting, I can say that. … It's not really about the number (of sacks), it's about showing the world: 'This guy really is the best.'”

On his relationship with Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer: “I think we're on the same page. I think I just had to show Mike what I'm capable of and what I can do. I've probably accomplished everything he wanted me to do and more. He came to me and said, 'You say you want to do this and you want to do that, if you just follow these detailed things, you can be the best ever.' … I think we've moved forward in a good direction.”

Quinn took Parsons, who was drafted as an off-ball linebacker, and turned him into one of the best edge players who excelled at attacking the passer. Zimmer has said this offseason that he is well aware of how remarkable Parsons is and doesn't want to limit him to just one position.

Because of Parsons' athleticism, Quinn showed glimpses of using the defensive end to rush through the middle, from the side, and even into coverage. It sounds like he's ready to use his star defender anywhere in Zimmer's new system.

“You'll see, I'm on the road a lot. I don't think there's a side. I have my own personnel and stuff. It's going to be exciting, I can say that. I think I'll let every single player play. And I think this is the first year that I can be in a 2i, a 3 or a 4. It doesn't matter. I could be a linebacker, I could be in the slot, I could almost be the safety if you look at it that way in some personnel.”

Both men can help each other this year. If Parsons wants to build on his already stellar resume and become an all-timer, then Zimmer is the perfect coach to get that out of him. If Zimmer wants to prove his doubters wrong and show that he can be the coach he's always been, then building the defense around Parsons isn't a bad place to start.

When the Cowboys offense was at its peak last season, Mike McCarthy praised Dak Prescott and their relationship for being comfortable in the system and on the same page. What if that same mindset applied to the defense? Think of Zimmer as the playmaker and Parsons as the quarterback, with the game plan starting with the best player.

Let's say they figure out how to combine Parsons' athleticism with Zimmer's defensive mind. If that happens, the Dallas defense has the potential to evolve far beyond what many hope will be at least sustainable success. They have a chance to become an all-time unit this season.