The Vikings' hiring of Mike Zimmer isn't going to fuel the imagination, the way Chip Kelly did in Philadelphia, or win any virtual awards for the best hiring of the offseason. This is a routine NFL hire, a team that struggled on defense hiring a defensive expert to breathe life into the team.

That said, I like the hire. He's succeeded as a coordinator in a lot of places, with different schemes and different talent levels. He's turned long shots into stars. He's motivated players. At 57, he's both tough and mature.

In the brief time since his hiring was announced, many of his former players have tweeted their excitement.

Zimmer is known for creative defenses and creative use of the language. Those who saw him on Hard Knocks know he can cuss like a late-night cable comedian.

I believed Leslie Fraizer would have won if he had been given a good quarterback and good cornerbacks. Zimmer will need Rick Spielman to find him a good quarterback, and he'll need to either hide the Vikings' defensive flaws or overhaul the entire unit.

Given the nature of the NFL, if Zimmer can handle the rigors of being an NFL head coach, he could contend in his first year. The Vikings have plenty of offensive talent and plenty of young talent. Whether or not he wins the press conference, Zimmer will have a chance to win next season, assuming the Vikings' quarterback position is functional.

I'll have more expansive thoughts in the column I'm writing for tomorrow's paper and Startribune.com.

You can follow me on Twitter at @Souhanstrib.

I'll be on 1500ESPN at noon with Judd Zulgad to discuss the hire, and we'll continue the discussion on Sunday Sports Talk, 10-noon, on 1500ESPN.

Thanks for reading.