Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer backtracked on Monday from some of his critical statements made after the 17-3 loss to the Lions on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium.

"It's not the first year I've flown off the handle," said Zimmer, who has been known to speak his mind during his time as an NFL assistant coach.

The biggest issue he addressed in his opening statement was player fines, which Zimmer said after the game more players were late last week than usual. Zimmer corrected his initial comment, noting that two practice squad players missed a lifting session on Saturday and it lingered in his mind.

"I know one of the hot topics was this fine thing," Zimmer said. "That was probably Zimmer being Zimmer. I was not in the best frame of mind at the time. The team has not had an issue, continually an issue, of being late."

Zimmer also called the Vikings undisciplined after the game, which he rephrased on Monday. He noted the tardiness and some of the mistakes on the field for his reasoning.

"I don't think that we're undisciplined," Zimmer said. "I think we can be more disciplined than we are."

He still remained bothered by players jarring at the officials, though. Zimmer said he's warned players since the first preseason game not to speak the officials. Wide receiver Adam Thielen received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty two weeks ago against the Packers to arguing with an official, and Zimmer felt there were more people on the sideline talking to the official against the Lions.

"They don't need to do that," Zimmer said. "They need to concentrate on playing football. And that includes coaches, so I addressed it again this morning."

Zimmer said he won't change his mentality despite recanting some comments made after the game. He said he plans to remain honest when speaking about his team even with more eyes and microphones on the first-year head coach.

"Maybe do a better job of trying not to let some things bother me as much," Zimmer said. "I am learning, trying to be a good head coach. I am trying to learn. I'm trying to do a better job every day, every game. I'm not perfect, just like the players aren't.

"I want them to understand that it's not OK to lose. That's what I want them to understand."