Hubbry Logo
Adam ZimmerAdam ZimmerMain
Open search
Adam Zimmer
Community hub
Adam Zimmer
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Adam Zimmer
Adam Zimmer
Adam Zimmer
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Adam Zimmer (January 13, 1984 – October 31, 2022) was an American professional football coach in the National Football League (NFL). He was an assistant defensive backs coach and offensive analyst for the Cincinnati Bengals, assistant linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints, and linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Zimmer was the son of former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Born in Ogden, Utah, on January 13, 1984,[1] Zimmer grew up in Colleyville, Texas, and attended Heritage High School while his father Mike Zimmer was a defensive coach for the Dallas Cowboys.[2] His grandfather Bill Zimmer coached football at Lockport Township High School for 35 years. By age 10, Zimmer knew that he wanted to follow his father's and grandfather's careers and become a football coach.[3]

Playing career

[edit]

Zimmer played for the Trinity University Tigers football team as a safety from 2002 to 2005, where he wore #28.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Zimmer landed his first coaching job with the New Orleans Saints as an assistant linebackers' coach in 2006.[5] During his first season in the NFL, the Saints won the NFC South Division Title and made it to the NFC Championship game. In the 2009 season, Zimmer's final season in New Orleans, the Saints went on to win Super Bowl XLIV.[5]

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

Zimmer became the Chiefs' assistant linebackers coach in the 2010 season.[5] In his first season, he helped the Chiefs allow 46.2 fewer rushing yards per game compared to the year before.[6] In the 2011 season, linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson were selected to the Pro Bowl.[7] During the 2012 season, linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend, then drove to the Chiefs' facility where he committed suicide in front of head coach Romeo Crennel. Zimmer was strongly affected by this, especially after he had recently lost his mother to natural causes in 2009.[8] Zimmer was let go when Kansas City fired Crennel after the 2012 season.[9]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

For the 2013 season, Zimmer joined the Bengals alongside his father Mike Zimmer as an assistant defensive backs coach while his dad was the defensive coordinator.[5]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

When Mike Zimmer became the 9th head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for the 2014 season, Adam Zimmer was brought in to be the linebackers' coach. The Vikings won the NFC North Division Title in the 2015 season, allowing 18.9 points per game on defense, ranked 5th-best in the NFL.[10] Linebacker Anthony Barr was selected to the 2016 Pro Bowl as a replacement for Jamie Collins.[11] On January 27, 2020, Zimmer and defensive line coach Andre Patterson were named co-defensive coordinators for the 2020 season.[12] Both Zimmers along with the majority of the coaching staff were fired following the conclusion of the 2021 season.[13]

Return to Bengals

[edit]

Following his firing by the Vikings, Zimmer was hired by the Bengals as an offensive analyst.[5]

Death

[edit]

Zimmer died on October 31, 2022, at age 38,[5][14] in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Mendota Heights police responded to a welfare check request at his home at 1:13 pm CDT, and found Zimmer dead inside. His death was not believed to be suspicious. His cause of death was not initially known but an autopsy was scheduled.[13] On December 16, 2022, The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office announced that Zimmer's cause of death was complications of chronic ethanol use disorder. The disorder can be caused by excessive drinking or by having withdrawal symptom while drastically cutting back or completely stopping drinking.[15]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Adam Zimmer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Adam Zimmer (January 13, 1984 – October 31, 2022) was an American professional football coach in the (), best known for his 17-season career as an assistant coach across multiple teams, including stints as co-defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and offensive analyst for the . The son of longtime coach , he contributed to a Super Bowl-winning team with the early in his career and worked closely with his father on several staffs before his death at age 38 from complications of chronic . Born in , Zimmer grew up in , where his father served as a for the . He attended Heritage High School in Colleyville, playing football there, and later continued his involvement in the sport at Trinity University in , , where he played as a student. Zimmer's family life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his mother, Vikki Zimmer, from a heart attack in 2009, after which he grew particularly close to his father and siblings. Zimmer entered the NFL in 2006 as an assistant linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints, helping the team secure a Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010. He then moved to the Kansas City Chiefs from 2010 to 2012 in the same role, followed by a position as assistant defensive backs coach with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013. In 2014, he joined the Minnesota Vikings as linebackers coach under his father, advancing to co-defensive coordinator in 2020, a role he held until the family's dismissal in 2022. He then returned to the Bengals as a remote offensive analyst at the time of his death.

Early life

Family and childhood

Adam Zimmer was born on January 13, 1984, in . He was the son of , a longtime NFL defensive coordinator and head coach, and Vikki Zimmer, who died unexpectedly in 2009 at age 50. Zimmer had two younger sisters, Corri and Marki. Zimmer's family background was steeped in football, with significant influence from his grandfather, Bill Zimmer, a high school coach who led in for 35 years and was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1986. During his childhood, the family relocated from to , as Mike Zimmer joined the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff. At age 10, Zimmer accompanied his father to NFL events, such as riding the bus to the and observing the interactions among coaches, which sparked his interest in football coaching. Zimmer attended in , where he began developing his initial involvement in football.

Adam Zimmer attended in , where he grew up in the area following his family's relocation to support his father's coaching role with the . Following high school, Zimmer enrolled at Trinity University, a private liberal arts institution in , , in 2002. There, he balanced his academic studies with participation in the university's football program, which helped bridge his high school experiences to higher-level athletic involvement. Zimmer focused his studies on business-related coursework, ultimately earning a degree in from Trinity University in 2006.

Playing career

Adam Zimmer played at Trinity University in , . As a for the Trinity University Tigers, Zimmer wore jersey number #28 and was active from to 2005. The Tigers competed in the (SCAC), focusing on a balanced defensive scheme typical of Division III programs. Zimmer primarily contributed in the secondary, providing coverage and support against the run during his four seasons on the roster. In his year of , Zimmer appeared in one game, recording two tackles (one solo and one assisted). His playing time increased over the years, and as a senior in 2005, he participated in four games, tallying four total tackles (two solo and two assisted) along with one in a conference matchup against . These contributions highlighted his role in the Tigers' defensive backfield. During his tenure, the team won SCAC championships in , 2004, and 2005, and reached the national championship game (Stagg Bowl) as runners-up in .

Coaching career

New Orleans Saints (2006–2009)

Adam Zimmer began his NFL coaching career in 2006 with the , serving as the assistant linebackers coach under head coach . As the son of longtime NFL defensive coordinator , he entered the league at age 22, focusing on the defensive unit during his four-season tenure from 2006 to 2009. In this role, Zimmer handled key responsibilities for the linebackers, including breaking down game film as a assistant, preparing tip sheets on opponent tendencies such as player stances and alignments, and working on-field at every linebacker position during practices. He also managed playbooks, signaled plays during games, and supported Gregg Williams—particularly in the 2009 season—by overseeing aspects of defensive preparation and drills to enhance linebacker techniques. Zimmer's work contributed to the Saints' defensive improvements, culminating in the 2009 season when the team achieved a 13-3 record and advanced to . As part of the Super Bowl-winning coaching staff, he assisted in preparations for the championship game against the , helping the Saints secure a 31-17 victory and their first Lombardi Trophy. The Saints' organization later remembered him as a knowledgeable and hardworking member of that historic staff. Following the triumph, Zimmer departed New Orleans after the 2009 season to join the , seeking further opportunities in defensive coaching.

Kansas City Chiefs (2010–2012)

Adam Zimmer joined the as assistant linebackers coach in 2010, a role he held through the 2012 season under head coaches and . During his first year, Zimmer helped oversee a marked improvement in the Chiefs' run defense, which allowed an average of 110.3 opponent rushing yards per game—a decrease of 46 yards from the 156.5 permitted in 2009—and ranked 14th in the NFL, a jump from the prior season's league-worst 31st place. The unit also ranked 14th overall in total yards allowed (5,283), contributing to a 10-6 record, an division title, and a wild-card playoff berth, though the Chiefs fell 30-7 to the . In 2011, the defense maintained a solid 11th-place ranking in total yards allowed (5,333) despite a dip in run defense to 131.4 rushing yards per game (26th in the ), as the team finished 7-9. The 2012 season brought further challenges, with the Chiefs' defense surrendering 135.7 rushing yards per game (27th in the league) and 5,704 total yards (20th), alongside 425 points allowed (25th), en route to a 2-14 record and last place in the . Zimmer departed after the campaign as part of a complete staff overhaul following the hiring of as head coach.

Cincinnati Bengals (2013)

In 2013, Adam Zimmer joined the as assistant defensive backs coach under head coach , marking his first role focused on the secondary after prior experience coaching linebackers. His hiring reunited him with his father, , who served as the team's defensive coordinator. Zimmer's responsibilities included working with the Bengals' secondary players to refine coverage techniques and pass defense strategies, contributing to the unit's preparation during practices and games. This role involved breaking down film, drilling fundamentals like man and zone coverages, and integrating defensive schemes to counter opposing passing attacks. The Bengals finished the 2013 season with an 11-5 record, securing a playoff berth as the AFC's No. 3 seed, bolstered by a strong defense that ranked fifth in the in points allowed (305) and passing yards allowed (3,344). Zimmer's tenure lasted only that one season, as he departed following the year to join his father's staff with the Minnesota Vikings after Mike was hired as there.

Minnesota Vikings (2014–2021)

Adam Zimmer joined the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff in 2014 as linebackers coach, coinciding with his father Mike Zimmer's hiring as . In this role from 2014 to 2019, he worked closely with his father, navigating the unique blend of family and professional dynamics within the environment. His tenure marked the longest phase of his coaching career, spanning eight seasons through 2021 and contributing to the team's defensive schemes during a period of competitive success. In 2020, Zimmer was promoted to co-defensive coordinator, sharing responsibilities with Andre Patterson while continuing to oversee the linebacker unit. He played a key role in developing standout linebackers such as , a first-team in 2019, and Anthony Barr, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, helping to solidify the position group as a cornerstone of the ' defense. Under ' leadership, the ' defense achieved notable heights, including leading the in points allowed (15.8 per game) during the 2017 regular season, which propelled the team to an title and an appearance in the . Zimmer's time with the Vikings ended after the 2021 season, when he was dismissed alongside his father and most of the amid organizational changes following an 8-9 record. This firing concluded a challenging close to his tenure, though his contributions to player growth and defensive strategies left a lasting impact on the franchise.

Return to Cincinnati Bengals (2022)

After his dismissal from the Minnesota Vikings following the 2021 season, Adam Zimmer rejoined the in the 2022 offseason as an offensive analyst under head coach . This marked a return to the franchise where he had briefly worked in 2013 as an assistant defensive backs coach under his father, , then the team's . In this behind-the-scenes position, Zimmer's responsibilities centered on analytical support, including breaking down game film, preparing reports, and evaluating offensive schemes to aid the team's , particularly consulting on the Joe Burrow-led passing attack, rather than hands-on . He worked remotely during the season, contributing to the Bengals' preparations amid their competitive campaign. The Bengals posted a 12-4 regular-season record in 2022, clinching the division title and advancing through the playoffs with wins over the and before falling to the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs) in the . Zimmer's tenure as an offensive analyst represented his 17th and final season, providing a capstone to his coaching career before his death in October 2022.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

Adam Zimmer died on October 31, 2022, at the age of 38, in his home in , a suburb of the . Officers from the Mendota Heights Police Department discovered his body during a welfare check prompted by a 911 call reporting a man who had passed out from drinking; he was found seated on a couch with apparent bruising around one eye. The , for whom Zimmer was working remotely as an offensive analyst at the time of his death, announced the news the following day, describing it as a sudden and tragic loss while expressing deep regard for Zimmer and his father, former Mike Zimmer. Mendota Heights police captain Wayne Wegener stated that the death was not considered suspicious and that there were no signs of foul play, though an investigation into the circumstances continued. On December 16, 2022, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office released its official findings, ruling Zimmer's death as natural and attributing the cause to complications of chronic use disorder. The report classified the as natural, with no evidence of external factors contributing to foul play.

Tributes and remembrance

Following Adam Zimmer's death on October 31, 2022, at the age of 38, numerous statements from teams and figures expressed profound grief and highlighted his character and contributions. The , where Zimmer served as an offensive analyst in 2022, issued a statement from owner Mike Brown noting, "Our organization has had the privilege of knowing and working with both Mike and Zimmer. We have the highest regard for Mike and , and we are incredibly saddened by this tragic news. Mike and were more than just coaches for us—they were friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmer family at this time." The , where Zimmer had coached for eight seasons including as co-defensive coordinator, released a statement from ownership: "We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Zimmer. was a kind, respectful man, and over his years in , it was evident he cared tremendously about his family, his players, his teammates and the organization. Our thoughts are with Mike, Corri, Marki and the entire Zimmer family." The , Zimmer's first team from 2006 to 2009 where he contributed to their victory, stated: "The Saints organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Zimmer, who served as an assistant coach with the from 2006-2009... was a knowledgeable, hard-working and well-liked coach who was enthusiastic about the game. He developed into an excellent coach during his time in New Orleans and his efforts were instrumental in the team’s rise to the championship level. We have fond memories of and our thoughts and prayers are with his father Mike, his sisters Corri and Marki and the entire Zimmer family." Colleagues and players shared personal tributes emphasizing Zimmer's mentorship, dedication, and warmth. Bengals head coach , who had worked closely with Zimmer that season, described him as "a great guy" and noted, "I really enjoyed getting to know him this year. Obviously, just a tragic situation. Our are with the Zimmer family." Former Saints head coach , under whom Zimmer began his career, tweeted: "Heartbreaking this morning. RIP Adam Zimmer. Prayers to his family." Vikings quarterback , a former teammate in the dynamic, posted on : "Deeply saddened by the of Adam Zimmer…tremendous coach & person. Had the privilege of sitting next to him flying back from games. Prayers to the Zimmer family." ESPN reporter added, "Adam Zimmer was a good man who lived for his family, , and football. He learned how to coach from one of the best in the business and became a terrific coach in his own right." Zimmer's sister Corri echoed these sentiments, stating, "I'm so lost, I'm so overwhelmed, I'm so heartbroken. My brother was one of my best friends, especially after my mom died, we became so close." Zimmer's 17-year NFL coaching career, spanning five teams and contributing to multiple playoff contenders including a appearance and victory with the Saints, was widely recognized in tributes as a testament to his talent and perseverance as part of a prominent coaching family—his father, , is a longtime defensive coordinator and former . Players like linebacker , whom Zimmer mentored as linebackers coach, attended his funeral mass in , reflecting the deep professional bonds he formed. A memorial service drew figures including Payton and members of his staff, underscoring Zimmer's lasting connections across the league. In the years following his death, Zimmer's legacy as a mentor to younger coaches and innovator in defensive strategies—particularly in linebacker development and scheme adaptability—has been affirmed by his father, who in 2024 reflected on Adam's passion, stating, "He loved [football] so much and he was telling me his career was ruined because he got fired. It tore him up." This influence continues through the defensive minds he shaped, ensuring his impact endures in the NFL despite his untimely passing.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34923747/adam-zimmer-son-former-vikings-coach-mike-zimmer-dies-38
  2. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/adam-zimmer-cincinnati-bengals-death-b2215474.html
  3. https://www.fox19.com/2022/12/16/bengals-zimmer-died-chronic-alcohol-abuse/
  4. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/12/19/alcohol-use-blamed-for-death-of-former-vikings-codefensive-coordinator-adam-zimmer
  5. https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/adam-zimmer-dies-mike-zimmer-nfl-assistant-coach-son-of-former-dallas-cowboys-dc-dies-at-38/287-caf9eda4-5234-4fa7-bfa9-0cf3deca3733
  6. https://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/news/ci_14343912
  7. https://wgno.com/sports/geaux-black-and-gold/former-saints-assistant-coach-adam-zimmer-son-of-longtime-vikings-coach-mike-zimmer-dead-at-38/
  8. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/ZimmAd0.htm
  9. https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/columns/story?columnist=merrill_elizabeth&id=5428446
  10. https://www.startribune.com/ruling-alcohol-use-caused-death-of-adam-zimmer-son-of-ex-vikings-head-coach-mike-zimmer/600236484/
  11. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/08/12/bill-zimmer-former-lockport-coach-and-father-of-vikings-mike-zimmer-dies/
  12. https://www.startribune.com/court-filing-police-found-adam-zimmer-dead-on-couch-with-eye-injury-looking-at-role-of-alcohol/600222834
  13. https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/30305/hes-not-trying-to-be-mike-vikings-adam-zimmer-doing-things-his-way
  14. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colleyville-tx/adam-zimmer-10998226
  15. https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/10054267-adam-zimmer-son-of-mike-and-former-vikings-co-defensive-coordinator-dies-at-age-38
  16. https://www.twincities.com/2022/11/07/search-warrant-adam-zimmer-death-police-call-passed-out-drinking/
  17. https://trinitytigers.com/sports/football
  18. https://trinitytigers.com/sports/fball/2002-03/stats/teamcume.htm
  19. https://scacsports.com/sports/fball/2005-06/stats/TU.HTM
  20. https://scacsports.com/sports/fball/2005-06/stats/MCTU.HTM
  21. https://www.d3football.com/teams/Trinity_(Texas)/2024/index
  22. https://www.trinity.edu/news/2002-season-excellence
  23. https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/adam-zimmer-former-saints-assistant-coach-for-super-bowl-team-dies-at-38/article_cee46398-59f8-11ed-b23a-c763a16e4c7c.html
  24. https://www.bengals.com/news/zimmers-cap-bittersweet-season-1061614
  25. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-agree-to-hire-williams-as-defensive-coordinator-1087065
  26. https://www.pro-football-history.com/coach/2094/adam-zimmer-bio
  27. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/statement-new-orleans-saints-passing-adam-zimmer-2009-assistant-coach
  28. https://pro-football-history.com/coach/2094/adam-zimmer-bio
  29. https://pro-football-history.com/franchpos/9/1/kansas-city-chiefs-head-coach-history
  30. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2010.htm
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2009.htm
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2011.htm
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2012.htm
  34. https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/2/5/3956234/adam-zimmer-bengals-chiefs-assistant-coach
  35. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/2/5/3956116/bengals-hire-adam-zimmer-as-assistant-defensive-backs-coach
  36. https://www.bengals.com/news/zimmers-savor-reunion-on-bengals-staff-9540210
  37. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2022/07/25/adam-zimmer-return-cincinnati-bengals-coaching-staff-likely-defensive-assistant-vikings-mike-son/10141730002/
  38. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/adam-zimmers-role-zac-taylors-coaching-staff-revealed
  39. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2013.htm
  40. https://www.vikings.com/history/coaching-history
  41. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bengals-offensive-analyst-adam-zimmer-son-of-longtime-nfl-coach-mike-zimmer-dies-at-38/
  42. https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-andre-patterson-adam-zimmer-co-defensive-coordinators
  43. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-head-coaches-for-2019-east-west-shrine-game-0ap3000001009032
  44. https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-finish-regular-season-with-nfl-s-no-1-defense-20172169
  45. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-adam-zimmer-former-vikings-defensive-coordinator-and-son-of-mike-zimmer-dies-at-38-140012102-140012248-140012084.html
  46. https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/02/bengals-issue-statement-passing-offensive-analyst-adam-zimmer/
  47. https://www.wsaz.com/2022/11/01/bengals-offensive-analyst-adam-zimmer-dies-38/
  48. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2022.htm
  49. https://www.nypost.com/2022/11/01/adam-zimmer-bengals-assistant-coach-dead-at-38/
  50. https://nypost.com/2022/11/08/adam-zimmer-death-tragic-details-emerge-around-nfl-coachs-passing/
  51. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35286702/medical-examiners-alcohol-caused-adam-zimmer-death
  52. https://sports.yahoo.com/medical-examiner-office-rules-former-215600651.html
  53. https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/12/16/vikings-adam-zimmer-medical-examiner-releases-cause-of-death
  54. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/12/17/medical-examiner-bengals-adam-zimmer-died-from-chronic-alcohol-abuse/69736374007/
  55. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2022/11/01/cincinnati-bengals-adam-zimmer-dies-reactions/69609781007/
  56. https://www.cleveland.com/bengals/2022/11/coach-zac-taylor-on-injury-updates-moving-on-from-the-browns-loss-and-more-transcript.html
  57. https://twitter.com/KirkCousins8/status/1587474092294344705
  58. https://vikingsterritory.com/2022/general-news/tributes-pour-in-for-adam-zimmer
  59. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/adam-zimmer-son-former-vikings-coach-mike-zimmer-dead
  60. https://www.twincities.com/2022/11/09/family-will-be-torn-when-dalvin-cooks-vikings-face-brother-james-bills/
  61. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2024/09/06/after-tragedy-loss-and-grief-cowboys-dc-mike-zimmer-has-a-chance-to-heal-in-dallas/
  62. https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/cowboys-mike-zimmer-opens-up-about-death-of-son-adam/
  63. https://thespun.com/nfl/longtime-nfl-coach-mike-zimmer-opens-up-about-his-sons-death
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.