Vikings in support of coach Zimmer, GM Spielman

Two days before the organization's first playoff game in two years, Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf gave a vote of confidence to head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman. "We value Mike and Rick's leadership and we have every intent of Mike continuing as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Rick leading our football operations, next year and beyond," Wilf said in a statement.

The timing is odd given Zimmer's success in Minnesota, and it comes amid rumors that Zimmer is a possible replacement for Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. ESPN reported that Garrett, whose contract expires Jan. 14, will not return next season. Zimmer, 63, who is a former Cowboys assistant coach, guided the Vikings to a 10-6 record this season and an NFC wild-card berth. In six seasons at Minnesota, Zimmer is 57-38-1 and will be making his third playoff appearance with the team. He's the third-winningest coach in Vikings history.

Zimmer is under contract with the Vikings through the 2020 season, as is Spielman, who has been the team's GM since 2012 and has been with the organization since 2006. Rumors persisted that Zimmer's job could be in jeopardy if the Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints in Sunday's playoff game.

The Vikings have won just one playoff game under Zimmer on Jan. 14, 2018, and the victory came on a last-second 61-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs in what has been dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle." The 29-24 victory came against the Saints. 

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