This is a nightmare.

The Dallas Cowboys lost their season finale on a last-second touchdown, but Mike Zimmer’s defense was sublime for most of the game. They seemingly took their foot off the gas in the second half after Washington pulled starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Fittingly, it was none other than Micah Parsons who piloted the defense’s dominant effort. Needing just a half-sack to reach double digits for the fourth straight season, Parsons sacked Daniels twice on the opening drive.

In doing so, Parsons became the fourth player ever to record 10 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons. With a half-sack later in the game, Parsons became the second player in NFL history to notch 12 or more sacks in each of their first four seasons.

Parsons has exuded greatness from his rookie year, but he enjoyed his most prolific season under Zimmer’s watch. It is for that reason – and so many others – that Cowboys fans universally want Zimmer back as defensive coordinator.

That, unfortunately, is far from a guarantee.

Micah Parsons drops Mike Zimmer bombshell after Cowboys’ Week 18 loss

“If I got Zim back, awesome,” Parsons said via Joseph Hoyt of DLLS. “I think Zim might want to come back. He’s ready to ride off into the sunset. To him, it’s not even about money. I think he’s got to want to do it.”

It sure sounds like Zimmer is contemplating retirement. That shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, however.

Just a few days ago, Zimmer told the Dallas media that his return to coaching has been difficult. He explained that his late son Adam, who passed away in 2022, was a big reason why he came back this season.

On an expiring contract along with the entire coaching staff, Zimmer didn’t hint either way if he wanted to come back. However, Parsons’ quote suggests Jerry Jones and the locker room might have to do some real convincing him to get him back as defensive coordinator. And, according to Parsons, a boatload of cash won’t do the trick.

What is abundantly clear, though, is Zimmer has not lost his fastball as a defensive play-caller. This defense has the potential to be special next season if he returns.

Assuming that Jones wants him back, Zimmer will have to do some soul-searching over the next several weeks. Is his passion for the game gone? Dialing up blitzes on Sundays is one thing, but is Zimmer ready for the trials and tribulations of an NFL offseason?

Negotiating with the Joneses is hard enough, but you’re also talking about evaluating free agency, studying draft prospects and navigating OTAs, minicamp and training camp. It’s a huge commitment and Parsons made it sound like Zimmer might not be ready to do it all again.

That would be an absolute nightmare.