Mike Zimmer doesn't even consider the possibility. But in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, Zimmer, at this juncture anyway, has to be a legitimate contender for National Football League coach of the year.
Sure, Zimmer has benefited from the return of running back Adrian Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher. But he also has coached the Vikings to an 8-3 record without offensive line veterans John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt, both huge losses for the season after surgeries. Besides instilling toughness into the Vikings, Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner have nurtured second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater into a winner.