Will the Vikings commit to Mike Zimmer beyond next season?

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer changed up his staff in a big way following a humiliating NFC Divisional Playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Now heading into this offseason as a potential lame duck himself, the expectation is that Zimmer and the Vikings would soon talk extension.

General manager Rick Spielman would not go as far as to indicate that discussions are taking place in talking to the media from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

However, Spielman did note that he expects Zimmer to be with the Vikings over the long haul.

Spielman did not discuss whether he or Mike Zimmer are having their contracts extended this offseason but said he anticipates Zimmer coaching "next year and beyond."

“Yeah, I think the ownership came out and made a very strong statement on coach Zimmer."

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) February 25, 2020

If this is indeed the case, an extension ahead of the 2020 season would seem to make the most sense. Despite his public stance, Spielman refusing to say that talks are ongoing could be seen as the Vikings showing their hand.

Could Minnesota head into the 2020 season forcing Zimmer to prove his worth to the organization? It’s more than possible.

The 63-year-old Zimmer has been on the sidelines in Minnesota since 2014. He’s posted a combined 57-38-1 record with three playoff appearances in six seasons.