Minnesota Vikings

Ex-Minnesota Vikings Coach: Mike Zimmer is 'one of the finest coaches I've ever seen'

Published Jun. 30, 2015 2:12 p.m. ET

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Former Minnesota Vikings coach Jerry Burns attended a minicamp practice this spring and was thoroughly impressed with this year's team.

"This team has a lot of faith in their coach," Burns said, via the official website of the Minnesota Vikings. "You can see how they go out here and they practice hard. I know they will play hard. I just like every aspect of this team."

For Burns, who was the Vikings' offensive coordinator from 1968-1985 before taking over as head coach from 1986-1991, top-notch coaching is essential for a successful season. Burns believes the team has that this year in head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

"I like them both," Burns said about Zimmer and Turner, per Vikings.com. "Zimmer is one of the finest coaches I've ever seen—both of them are. Zimmer sometimes talks my kind of language. I know he got the enthusiasm out of this ball club, and I look for a completely changed, from a year ago, Minnesota Vikings."

Burns is 88 years old and has experienced enough football in his life to know a winning team when he sees one.

(h/t Minnesota Vikings)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt