More Details Emerge in Kellen Mond, Mike Zimmer Rift
K. Joudry
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Chris Tomasson of The Pioneer Press recently published a piece that offers some more context for the Kellen Mond and Mike Zimmer relationship. It also covers the QB’s enthusiasm for the new coaching staff.
The sophomore explains that he’s enthusiastic about playing for Kevin O’Connell:
I think Kevin, he’s obviously a young guy and he has some youth, especially with his offense. I think he’ll add a little bit more flavor. I think that’s something that the fans were missing a little bit last year. … New coaches, fresh team. So I think a lot of people will be excited about what we have to offer this year.
Kellen Mond offered some thoughts on the Mike Zimmer comments about not wanting to play him:
One, he’s never really talked to me personally, so I didn’t really take too much offense to it. He kind of backtracked on his word a little bit after. But it’s all fun and games, whatever. It’s a new year, new coaches, new team. I’m a year older, second year in the NFL.
Mond’s father – Kevin – thinks the player/coach disconnect was due to Covid and frustration with Rick Spielman opting for a QB:
Kellen was in the doghouse from the start because of the draft and then, number two, the COVID. So he was in Zimmer’s doghouse and wasn’t getting out. They weren’t going to give him the time and Zimmer not playing him at the end of the year was, personally to me, Zimmer just sticking his thumb at Spielman.
Mond’s father explains that his son “loves the new coaching staff, he’s getting the playbook down.” Hopefully, the positive momentum allows Minnesota’s young QB to develop into a strong backup.
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