The Maxim Model & The NFL Coach: 5 Shocking Facts About Mike Zimmer's Fiancée, Katarina Miketin

The biggest headline in the NFL coaching world this year isn't a Super Bowl win, but a stunning engagement. As of late 2024 and early 2025, veteran NFL coach Mike Zimmer, currently the Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator, has taken a monumental step in his personal life, proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Katarina Miketin. This relationship has captured public curiosity not just because of the 26-year age difference, but due to Miketin’s own fascinating, multifaceted career that stretches far beyond the typical "WAG" profile.

The news of the engagement, which was announced via a heartfelt social media post, confirms a new, happy chapter for the 68-year-old coach, who experienced profound personal tragedy with the loss of his first wife. This article dives deep into the life of the woman who has captured Mike Zimmer’s heart and the surprising details of her professional life, from high-fashion modeling to high-stakes finance and entrepreneurship.

Mike Zimmer and Katarina Miketin: A Comprehensive Profile

The relationship between the former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach and the entrepreneur-model has been public since around 2021, culminating in a New Year's engagement announcement that put the couple firmly in the spotlight. To understand the full scope of their story, it's essential to first look at their individual backgrounds.

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Mike Zimmer: Biography & Career Timeline

• Full Name: Michael Zimmer
• Date of Birth: June 5, 1956
• Age: 68 (as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, USA
• Current Role: Defensive Coordinator (DC) for the Dallas Cowboys (appointed 2024)
• Notable Career Roles: Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings (2014–2021), Defensive Coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals (2008–2013), Defensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2007).
• Previous Marriage: Married to Vikki Zimmer for 27 years until her unexpected death in October 2009 at age 50.
• Children: Three—Adam Zimmer, Corri Zimmer, and Marki Zimmer. Adam Zimmer is also a well-known NFL coach.

Katarina Miketin: Biography & Professional Profile

• Full Name: Katarina Elizabeth Miketin
• Date of Birth: November 17, 1982
• Age: 42 (as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Duluth, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
• Primary Professions: Model, Entrepreneur, Businesswoman, Former Finance Professional.
• Education: Two-time college graduate.
• Modeling Highlights: Featured in high-profile magazines including *Maxim* (including a cover shoot) and *Sports Illustrated*.
• Business Ventures: Owner of OneTen Cycles, a bicycle shop, which marked a career change from the finance sector.
• Social Media Presence: Amassed a significant following on Instagram, with over 400,000 followers.

The Unexpected Engagement: How The NFL Coach Proposed

The news of Mike Zimmer and Katarina Miketin's engagement became public in early January, following the New Year holiday. The proposal was a significant moment for the couple, who had been quietly dating since 2021. Miketin, a former college athlete, shared the joyful news with her followers through a romantic reel on her Instagram account, confirming she "said yes!" to the longtime coach. The announcement was a positive start to the year for Zimmer, who was simultaneously preparing for his new, high-pressure role as the Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys under head coach Mike McCarthy.

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The relationship has been noted for its significant age difference—approximately 26 years—a detail that has naturally fueled public interest and media coverage. Despite the gap, the couple has been described as a longtime, committed pair, often seen together at various events and on social media posts. The engagement marks a triumphant personal comeback for Zimmer, who has openly discussed the grief and profound loss he experienced after the sudden death of his first wife, Vikki Zimmer, in 2009. His decision to remarry and find happiness later in life has resonated with fans and peers across the NFL community.

Katarina Miketin: More Than Just a Model

While often labeled a "model" in headlines, Katarina Miketin’s professional background is remarkably diverse and speaks to a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Her career path provides a powerful counter-narrative to the typical celebrity partner story, demonstrating a blend of high-profile media work and serious business acumen. This breadth of experience is a key reason why she has become a figure of topical authority in her own right.

Her modeling career is certainly notable, with features in major men's lifestyle and sports publications like *Maxim* and *Sports Illustrated*. However, a deeper dive reveals that Miketin is a two-time college graduate with substantial experience in the highly competitive finance sector. This foundation in finance is what ultimately led to her transition into entrepreneurship.

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Miketin is the dedicated owner of OneTen Cycles, a successful bicycle shop. This venture, which she launched after leaving the finance world, highlights her passion for fitness and her roots as a former college athlete. Her work with OneTen Cycles is often cited in local news for its efforts to close the gender gap in the bicycling world, showcasing her commitment to community and empowering women in sports. This combination of glamour, finance, and hands-on business ownership paints the picture of a driven, successful businesswoman who is far from a passive figure in the relationship.

The Zimmer Family Legacy and New Beginnings

The Zimmer family has deep roots in the NFL, and Katarina’s entry into the family marks a significant new chapter. Mike Zimmer’s late wife, Vikki Zimmer, was a central figure in his life for nearly three decades, and her sudden passing from natural causes in 2009 was a devastating blow that shaped the coach's persona for years.

Mike and Vikki raised three children: Adam, Corri, and Marki. Adam Zimmer has followed directly in his father’s footsteps, building his own career as an NFL coach, notably serving as an assistant coach for the Vikings during his father’s tenure as Head Coach. The family’s enduring connection to the game—and to the city of Minneapolis—provides a powerful backdrop to Mike Zimmer's personal journey. The engagement to Katarina Miketin is seen by many as a beautiful, redemptive step forward after years of personal loss and a renewed focus on his career with the Dallas Cowboys. The blending of the Zimmer family legacy with Katarina’s dynamic, modern life promises a fascinating future for the high-profile couple.