Many Dallas Cowboys fans are looking forward to Mike Zimmer’s return to the coaching staff as MIke McCarthy’s defensive coordinator. They remember his past exploits and hope that he’ll be the one to help America’s Team finally break their postseason jinx and make the Super Bowl.

However, his reputation as a defensive savant also comes with a huge caveat that not many players would like to deal with: Zimmer is known to be a hard-headed traditionalist who isn’t scared to butt heads with players.

However, the newest Cowboys DC made sure to everyone that he’s not just there to cause discord and demand better performances out of his players when they don’t play to his standards.

Dallas Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer: I am not a jerk
After Mike Zimmer was introduced as the Dallas Cowboys’ replacement for Dan Quinn, one of the questions he answered hit the issue of his reputation.

Pro Football Talk wrote about Zimmer’s response to the issue, which virtually dismisses the allegations thrown at him:

“There’s a reputation out there that I’m a jerk or something like that,” Zimmer said. “It is what it is, I guess. But you know, since it was announced I was going to be here, I’ve heard from so many players that played for me. Players here, not just defensive backs, the linebackers and defensive linemen have texted me and said how happy they were for me. I think if I was such a jerk I wouldn’t be hearing from those guys.”

It’s not like Zimmer has to go out of his way to defend himself. His former head coach Bill Parcells gave his stamp on approval to his approach, and his track record during his tenure as the Vikings head coach should provide more than enough validation to his methodology that should help the Dallas Cowboys win vital playoff games.

However, talking can only go so far in a results-oriented league. It’s not up to Zimmer to bring the Dallas Cowboys back to shape and guide them to multiple Super Bowl appearances.