Kellen Mond on Zimmer: "We never spoke. Not once."
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/news/ex-vikings-qb-kellen-mond-bashes-mike-zimmer-linkedin-post
Former Vikings quarterback and draft bust Kellen Mond, who most recently played in the United Football League, is now an artist and photographer who also posts influencer content on LinkedIn.
Mond's most recent post talks about his rookie year with the Vikings in 2021, specifically through the lens of the disconnect between Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman in their final year together before both were fired. Much of the information is stuff that's been made public in the past, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Mond's post starts like this: "When I was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, my head coach walked out of the draft room. We never spoke. Not once."
Zimmer walking out when Spielman took Mond in the third round of the '21 draft is something the former eight-year Vikings head coach revealed in an August 2024 interview with the Star Tribune. Mond saying the two never had a single conversation that year is remarkable. An NFL head coach and a rookie QB not talking for an entire season is hard to fathom.
Mond's post then talks about how the Zimmer-Spielman relationship began to sour as far back as 2018, when the Vikings signed Kirk Cousins in free agency. Zimmer not wanting Cousins is another dynamic that's become pretty well-known since that regime ended. Mond said he never saw Zimmer and Spielman speak during that 2021 season.
"Imagine the two most important people in any organization never talking," he wrote. "What happens to that business? It crumbles. And that's exactly what happened."
After the conclusion of an 8-9 season in 2021, both Zimmer and Spielman were let go. Only Spielman addressed the team after finding out.
"The GM addressed the team and thanked us for our hard work, effort and dedication," Mond wrote. "The head coach was nowhere to be found. His reasoning for not addressing the team and players: 'They got me fired.' That response told me everything I needed to know."
Zimmer saying "They got me fired" as his reasoning for not addressing his players after the final game is another detail that was revealed in Mark Craig's 2024 Star Tribune story.
Mond then wrapped up his LinkedIn post by talking about the business lesson he learned from working under Zimmer.
"(It) taught me an unforgettable leadership lesson: Every time you show up to work, you control the energy in the building. The way you act. The way you speak. Your body language. If you forget that enough times, don't be surprised when you have a disconnect with others in your organization. Leadership is an atmosphere you create, not a title you hold."
Mond, 26, was part of an infamous Vikings third round haul in 2021 that also included Pat Jones II and two other busts in linebacker Chazz Surratt and guard Wyatt Davis.
The most notable thing that happened during Mond's Vikings tenure came after a Week 17 game at Lambeau Field. Zimmer was asked if he wanted to see Mond play in the regular season finale the following week, to which he replied "not particularly." Asked why not, Zimmer said "I see him every day." It's one of the lasting memories of the end of the Zimmer era.
Mond had briefly entered that game in Green Bay, while Sean Mannion was banged up, and attempted three passes. They were the only regular season snaps he ever took with the Vikings (or any other NFL team). The former Texas A&M star was released in final roster cuts by Minnesota's new regime the following year.
After brief offseason stints with the Browns, Colts, and Saints, he played for the UFL's now-defunct San Antonio Brahmas in spring 2025. Mond isn't on a UFL roster for the upcoming season, which may signal the end of his football career.
Zimmer, 69, was out of the NFL for a couple years after being fired by the Vikings. He then spent the 2024 season as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator. He has since seemingly retired from coaching.
"Imagine the two most important people in any organization never talking"
I saw that and thought Mond was including himself in that...
Nothing new here except that Mond wants his 12 seconds of fame.
Zimmer is an angry, bitter little bitch. He was a fine DC, but he should never have been an NFL head coach.
Reporter to 31 NFL owners: Would you ever hire Zimmer to be the head coach of your team?
31 NFL owners: No.
Reporter: Why not?
31 NFL owners: We saw him in Minnesota. A man needs to know his limitations.
2015 was the Zenith of Zimmer in MN, winning the North in Lamblow was wonderful and it went downhill from there imo.
2017 was a "horseshoe of a year" and he was throughly out-coached/schemed vs Philly in the CG
Few fond Zimsu memories from this fan, and he sure aint on my own Mt Rushmore of Viking Coaches.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
dadevike wrote:
Zimmer is an angry, bitter little bitch. He was a fine DC, but he should never have been an NFL head coach.
72-56-1 record. 2-3 in the playoffs with an NFC Championship Game appearance. Was a Blair Walsh total meltdown on a chipshot field goal away from being 3-2. Took this franchise from an absolute dumpster fire under Les "I'll need to check the tape" Frazier, and turned it into one of the better teams and rosters in the league. The ending was unfortunate, but he was one of the better coaches we've had in our history. Like it or not.
supafreak84 wrote:
72-56-1 record. 2-3 in the playoffs with an NFC Championship Game appearance. Was a Blair Walsh total meltdown on a chipshot field goal away from being 3-2. Took this franchise from an absolute dumpster fire under Les "I'll need to check the tape" Frazier, and turned it into one of the better teams and rosters in the league. The ending was unfortunate, but he was one of the better coaches we've had in our history. Like it or not.
I was at that game; Might have been there with Jimmy, Mike Olson and some others from VF too...IT all blurs together over the years.
Cold as hell, - Bud in short sleeves at the coin toss and Walsh misses a 27 yarder...It's not up there with Anderson, but it's close lol!
That was at TCF and I DO NOT MISS outdoor football in MN, I'll take USB any day of the week.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
27 yard field goal. My drunk uncle kicking in a blizzard could have made that kick...laces out or otherwise. I thought Zimmer was going to strangle Walsh right there on the field
supafreak84 wrote:
27 yard field goal. My drunk uncle kicking in a blizzard could have made that kick...laces out or otherwise. I thought Zimmer was going to strangle Walsh right there on the field
Only reason it came to that was of Walsh, want to point fingers go rewatch that game and look at all the missed opportunities. Hell AD fucked up the goal line runs leading to that FG attempt. It was a crushing ending, but playing in that weather and kicking that fucked up hold, hard to condemn the kid when it should have never came down to it. Our fans response is what I remember most about that game, more so than being in that cold or some of the other aspects.... the shit I heard "fans" saying about Walsh made me sick.
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
purplefaithful wrote:
I was at that game; Might have been there with Jimmy, Mike Olson and some others from VF too...IT all blurs together over the years.
Cold as hell, - Bud in short sleeves at the coin toss and Walsh misses a 27 yarder...It's not up there with Anderson, but it's close lol!
That was at TCF and I DO NOT MISS outdoor football in MN, I'll take USB any day of the week.
I was at that game too. Sat with SkolVike and PapaScott. That was a fun tailgate and crazy game. The offense could not do anything. 10 to 9 was the final score. I remember so many people saying such nasty things about Walsh. That missed kick sucked but he got all the points.
You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. — Robin Williams
I am not sure it would be overly uncommon for the HC to not have much communication with the 3rd string QB, especially when the HC functions as the DC as well and leave the offense to his OC. As far as Zimmer's assessment of Mond, it turned out he was right.
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but Zimmer was right. He was right about Cousins and he was right about Mond. Neither should of ever been a Viking. Zimmer wanted to use very little capital on a QB to run his style of offense to complement his defense.
After so many QB failures, Spielman was giving up. Cousins was his white flag. Don't get me wrong, Zimmer acted like a petulant child in the end, but I believe, to this day, that the Cousins signing more so then anything else, eroded Zimmmers defense, removed the identity of the team that he had built and eventually brought about their own demise. Zimmer was right on all of that. My guess is, if Zimmer had his way, maybe Teddy B or Sam Bradford was back, or some other QB is selected and a lot more capital would have been poured in to the defense. Zimmer had just been to the NFC Championship with freaking Case Keenum. Why was Spielman not listening to him and giving him everything he wanted?
I think the Vikings go back to the NFC Championship game in 2019 if Zimmer had his way and maybe a Super Bowl. Alas...it's all supposition now. Just my opinion.
JR44 wrote:
I am not sure it would be overly uncommon for the HC to not have much communication with the 3rd string QB, especially when the HC functions as the DC as well and leave the offense to his OC. As far as Zimmer's assessment of Mond, it turned out he was right.
Never heard the story about Belichick calling out KOC when he was a rookie in a team meeting? "Look at O'Connell, he won't be much of a QB in this league, but he will be one hell of a coach"
Belichick was also a defensive coach, as I am sure everyone knows, or should sure as hell know.
I will bet that Zimmer was PISSED off that they used that pick on a QB, after they already chose Kirk against his wishes, and didn't get a defensive guy that he really wanted.
Vikesrock wrote:
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but Zimmer was right. He was right about Cousins and he was right about Mond. Neither should of ever been a Viking. Zimmer wanted to use very little capital on a QB to run his style of offense to complement his defense.After so many QB failures, Spielman was giving up. Cousins was his white flag. Don't get me wrong, Zimmer acted like a petulant child in the end, but I believe, to this day, that the Cousins signing more so then anything else, eroded Zimmmers defense, removed the identity of the team that he had built and eventually brought about their own demise. Zimmer was right on all of that. My guess is, if Zimmer had his way, maybe Teddy B or Sam Bradford was back, or some other QB is selected and a lot more capital would have been poured in to the defense. Zimmer had just been to the NFC Championship with freaking Case Keenum. Why was Spielman not listening to him and giving him everything he wanted?
I think the Vikings go back to the NFC Championship game in 2019 if Zimmer had his way and maybe a Super Bowl. Alas...it's all supposition now. Just my
The other thing that neutered zimmers defense was the rule changes that started in 2018.
Vikings cornerbacks would mug opposing wide receivers at the LOS. and then send the double A gap blitz ,QBs couldn't deal with it, and everyone copied it so NFL changed the rules.
Cousins guaranteed contact didn't help.
Zimmer was right, how he handled it was wrong. IMO I suspect it's why he was passed over for head coaching opportunities.
I don't give a shit about the gossip. But Zimmer, when shit went sideways in 2016 it became clear to me that he was in over his head. Our slow witted owners only needed another 5 years to figure it out.
He was a good DC but not suited to be a HC. He worked best as second banana; put him in charge and eventually it all unravels which it did.
comet52 wrote:
I don't give a shit about the gossip. But Zimmer, when shit went sideways in 2016 it became clear to me that he was in over his head. Our slow witted owners only needed another 5 years to figure it out.He was a good DC but not suited to be a HC. He worked best as second banana; put him in charge and eventually it all unravels which it did.
^^^
Agreed, didnt have the DNA/Make-up to lead an entire org at the HC level. Not convinced Flores does either tbh. He might just flourish brightest as a DC/Asst HC
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Mike Zimmer was a good coach—an even better DC. I always liked how he adjusted his game plan as the reality of the game took shape. As Aaron Rodgers put it when asked what happened to his offense after the 1st quarter, “Mike Zimmer happened.”
But yes, he was also an “angry little bitch,” as Dade puts it. A guy who seemed to hold grudges like a Texas middle-school cheerleader if he didn’t get his way.
Both things can be true.
supafreak84 wrote:
72-56-1 record. 2-3 in the playoffs with an NFC Championship Game appearance. Was a Blair Walsh total meltdown on a chipshot field goal away from being 3-2. Took this franchise from an absolute dumpster fire under Les "I'll need to check the tape" Frazier, and turned it into one of the better teams and rosters in the league. The ending was unfortunate, but he was one of the better coaches we've had in our history. Like it or not.
He was a douche-canoe that tried to avoid his own offense, never liked ANY of our QBs besides Teddy, and the offense in 2017 was as much about Shurmur as anyone. He was credited as the "CB whisperer", but Rhodes was the only shut-door corner we had...and he'd already been on the team. Waynes? Hughes? Beuller?
He was apparently a shot in the arm for the team after Frazier, but he came across as a miserable SOB to be around.
KOC, JJM, Flores...make a good plan, or you'll be following Kwesi....
Zanary wrote:
He was a douche-canoe that tried to avoid his own offense, never liked ANY of our QBs besides Teddy, and the offense in 2017 was as much about Shurmur as anyone. He was credited as the "CB whisperer", but Rhodes was the only shut-door corner we had...and he'd already been on the team. Waynes? Hughes? Beuller?
He was apparently a shot in the arm for the team after Frazier, but he came across as a miserable SOB to be around.
There's been a lot of highly successful head coaches who have been complete douche-canoe's (including the guy considered to be the GOAT). Was Zimm perfect, no, but if I had to choose between prime Zimm and prime KOC...I'd take Zimm every day of the week. At least you knew what you were getting from year to year on his side of the ball and he didn't need "specialists" to make it work. In-game adjustments and playoff wins are also desirable.
supafreak84 wrote:
There's been a lot of highly successful head coaches who have been complete douche-canoe's (including the guy considered to be the GOAT). Was Zimm perfect, no, but if I had to choose between prime Zimm and prime KOC...I'd take Zimm every day of the week. At least you knew what you were getting from year to year on his side of the ball and he didn't need "specialists" to make it work. In-game adjustments and playoff wins are also desirable.
His adjustments were jokes after his initial seasons. Remember his corners played 5 yards off the LOS when Detroit (or others) were on our 2? This board was on FIRE over his sh*tty clock management, and the NFL had his defense figured out by 2019.
I can't agree with the post about him being "right about Coiusins"...as Kirko was setting records with JJ despite tragically bad IOL protection, and was trying to race the declining defenses' abilities to piss points away.
He was a good DC until his defenses were figured out...but, he infamously didn't talk to his offense and wouldn't do film work with Cousins until his last season. Completely unfit to be HC.
KOC, JJM, Flores...make a good plan, or you'll be following Kwesi....
supafreak84 wrote:
There's been a lot of highly successful head coaches who have been complete douche-canoe's
Highly successful Zim is an oxymoron. He had a good year or two before it unraveled. Was his own worst enemy.
Zanary wrote:
His adjustments were jokes after his initial seasons. Remember his corners played 5 yards off the LOS when Detroit (or others) were on our 2? This board was on FIRE over his sh*tty clock management, and the NFL had his defense figured out by 2019.
I can't agree with the post about him being "right about Coiusins"...as Kirko was setting records with JJ despite tragically bad IOL protection, and was trying to race the declining defenses' abilities to piss points away.
He was a good DC until his defenses were figured out...but, he infamously didn't talk to his offense and wouldn't do film work with Cousins until his last season. Completely unfit to be HC.
We can bust Zimmer's balls from here to eternity, but again, someone wake me up when OConnell wins a playoff game
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.