LATEST UPDATE: Five things to remember from Mike Zimmer’s first Dallas Cowboys news conference

On Wednesday, Mike Zimmer was formally presented to the world as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for the second time. Perhaps in an effort to balance out all the negativity that has been around the squad since the playoff loss, the press conference was full of positive energy. Zimmer looked to pass the first test of being the appropriate guy for the job, saying all the right things.

Though you may view the presser for yourself here if you have time, these are the five main points to remember.

Although Dallas may seem like home, he believes that this club can win right now.
A lot of talk has been made about how Mike Zimmer used to hold the same role that he has now, many years ago. Dallas is undoubtedly his home.

Zimmer mentioned, among other things, that he is eager to spend time with his daughter, who has twins and lives nearby (who wouldn’t be?). He clarified later at the press conference that although he operates out of DFW and will undoubtedly suffer the difficulties of spending time with his grandchildren, he did not appear to be an ordinary person. Having experienced the previous world championship with the club, he made it clear that he is looking to win another one with the team.

Zimmer is very conscious of his image as something of a strict disciplinarian.
If you’ve been watching the NFL for any length of time, you are probably aware that Mike Zimmer is thought of as a bit of a strict coach. Zimmer stated that he is well aware of this reputation and that many players have contacted him to express gratitude for the way he has coached them in the past (he used former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes as an example).

Zimmer stated that his approach is aimed at improving his players’ performance and that his main goal is to bring out the best in them. He continued by saying that since his formal return to Dallas was announced, a number of former Cowboys players have contacted him to congratulate him and share their delight for the development. He also said that these things probably wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t “such a jerk.”

Under Zimmer, communication is going to be crucial.
Considering all of the changes and departures the Cowboys have experienced, there are still a few positions that need to be filled. Zimmer made it rather evident that this is one of the first things that needs to take place.

He sort of apologized for how dull an explanation this is, but the staff needs to get together and be formed as soon as possible. After that, he continued, they can start to agree on the language that will be used, enabling players to acquire the language in question. This will enable everyone to communicate in unison during practice or games, maximizing efficiency and accomplishing the overall goal.

Since leaving the NFL, of course, Zimmer has had some time to think back on his time with the Minnesota Vikings and what went well and what could have been improved. It is debatable whether or not Mike McCarthy benefited from his season-long absence from the league prior to taking over as head coach of the squad.

Zimmer is aware of how excellent the Cowboys’ defense is already.
Needless to say, the Cowboys’ record on defense over the previous three seasons has been extremely successful. Dan Quinn, who is leaving, deserves a lot of the credit for it, but let’s not forget that Micah Parsons arrived at the same time as him. Once more, no offense to Quinn.

Although he and Mike McCarthy have talked about certain aspects they both believe the Cowboys defense may be done better, Zimmer stated that they would not simply change who and what they have been for a while. It makes logical, considering the team’s recent success, that the Cowboys won’t “reinvent the wheel” when it comes to defense. However, it is apparent that under Zimmer, some things must alter. He mentioned that in the end, players will be the deciding factor, and that even though McCarthy and he might be the smartest persons alive, if the players can’t perform the tasks that are required of them, then they might not be that brilliant after all.

The phrase “discipline” was used multiple times.
A lack of discipline is one of the main complaints that people appear to have about the Cowboys overall, but especially with the defense. This group has repeatedly lobbied for absurd penalties, even for simple infractions like lining up an offside.

Zimmer is determined to eliminate that truth. Specifically, he listed a breach of discipline as one of the things that irritates him.
The Cowboys appear to have found the appropriate person to impose discipline if that is what they want.