The Dallas Cowboys defense has lived a rollercoaster experience in 2024 adapting to a new system under coordinator Mike Zimmer. The transition to Zimmer from Dan Quinn was one of the key storylines for the team heading into the season and many had concerns after the first weeks.

Since the midpoint of the season though, the Cowboys have rallied together on that side of the ball and been a difference-making unit. Their turnaround came to its apex Sunday night when the Cowboys’ defense had a Herculean effort in the team’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That victory was certainly earned though and not without sacrifice. For Zimmer, he is not only in his first year leading this defense, but also had to orchestrate a new era under heated expectations. Such responsibility took a toll on the veteran coach.

“I’ve had fun … But it’s been hard. I’m not gonna lie about that. It’s been hard,” he said this Christmas week.

Zimmer, 68, has achieved a considerable amount in a small window of time under unusual circumstances. There is no denying the value he brings to Dallas in terms of consistency if he returns to coach beyond this season.

But that is a major “if.” The expectations will be higher next season and there will be no toleration for moral victories. Whoever leads this defense will hold onto this job or take it at a disadvantage.

The Cowboys could lose several big names in free agency and defensive stars DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs are uncertain to even take the field next season. It is certainly plausible Zimmer does not have the energy or commitment to navigate those troubles.

However, if he does choose to return, he will have superstar Micah Parsons leading his unit, an edge that 31 other teams do not possess. Regardless of Zimmer’s decision – and/or the decision from ownership via Jerry and Stephen Jones – Parsons’ leadership will be vital for the Cowboys entering. a new season.

But it is key to note that the famously gruff Zimmer (who has been an acquired taste for Micah and his players) came here on a one-year deal, knowing full well he might be gone after this “Blow It Up” season; in a sense he signed on as a favor to the Jones family.

At the same time, as he told our Mike Fisher at training camp, he’s got family, and grandchildren, who live in the DFW area.

There are all sorts of possibilities. Dallas could retain this coaching staff as is. Head coach Mike McCarthy could be allowed to depart as part of a full housecleaning. Heck, there are those in Cowboys Nation who would like to see Zimmer as a head coach again, as he was in Minnesota.

Like McCarthy, Zimmer’s status beyond this season is an unknown. But one more season could be an underrated lift for the Cowboys set for potentially big changes elsewhere in the offseason – if “hard” hasn’t been too much for all involved.