Report: Mike Zimmer to be named Minnesota Vikings head coach

The Minnesota Vikings will name Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as their new head coach, according to a report.

The news was first announced by NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport on Wednesday afternoon, who said that Zimmer - who has previously interviewed for five head coaching positions over the years - finally has the leading role which he desires.

Minnesota have been searching for the right candidate ever since parting ways with Leslie Frazier in December.

Rapoport said via his personal Twitter account: "The #Vikings will make Mike Zimmer their coach, per source. They planned to interview two candidates a second time. Yet they met with Zimmer all day yesterday. And never let him leave town. Smart."

Zimmer is expected to officially be announced by the Vikings on Thursday. His new side will have eighth pick when the NFL Draft rolls around in the spring.