The Minnesota Vikings announced the firing of head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman on Monday. The Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight season under Zimmer and Spielman, which is likely what spelled the end for the partnership in the eyes of the team's ownership.
Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen reacted to the organization firing Zimmer and Spielman. He feels that Zimmer left the squad in a better place than where it was when he arrived. That's certainly a valid point, as the Vikings endured losing seasons in three of their last four campaigns before hiring Zimmer in 2014 (via ESPN's Courtney Cronin).
Adam Thielen says Mike Zimmer left the organization in a better place after the 8 seasons he spent in Minnesota.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 10, 2022
The Vikings had just one losing season in their next six campaigns under Zimmer. In other words, Thielen is right. He also sounded off on the departure of Spielman, who spoke to the team before leaving (via St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson).
#Vikings WR Adam Thielen on Rick Spielman addressing team today: "Really just thanking everybody for everything they've done. Obviously, it was a tough day for him. … He just showed his appreciation to everyone."
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 10, 2022
That's an honest admission from Thielen. It had to be hard for the veteran wideout to watch Spielman, who gave him an opportunity and signed him to contracts in Minnesota, speak about leaving the franchise.
That's why Thielen went on to say that “everyone needs to look in the mirror” following the firing of Zimmer and Spielman, while also acknowledging that the NFL is a “results” business.
Thielen and the Vikings have many question marks moving forward as they strive for better results after the axing of Zimmer and Spielman.
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