If Kevin Williams were under contract for next season, he knows how he would feel about the Vikings’ hiring of Mike Zimmer as coach.

“I’d probably be super excited,” he said.

Instead, the defensive tackle is measured in his enthusiasm. He was happy to see Zimmer get the job, but he doesn’t know if he’ll have the chance to play under the longtime defensive coordinator who was brought in last week by Minnesota.

“I’m with no one right now,” Williams said Monday. “But I still think it’s a good hire for the team. … He’s had success wherever he’s been. His defenses have always been in the top 10 and create turnovers and sacks.”

After 11 years with the Vikings, Williams, the team’s longest-tenured player, is in limbo. He becomes a free agent for the first time in his career in March.

Williams, 33, has said he wants to re-sign with the Vikings. The five-time all-pro and six-time Pro Bowl player reiterated that Monday.

“I still feel the same way,” Williams said. “I’d like to play a couple more years (with Minnesota), but that’s totally up to the Vikings.”

Williams said he had a “good conversation” with Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman after the season about his future. But he has yet to speak with Zimmer.

In his introductory news conference Friday, Zimmer did not talk specifically about any players and said he will be evaluating the roster. Spielman said Zimmer will have input in personnel decisions, with the GM having the final say.

Williams and defensive end Jared Allen, 31, are in line to be Minnesota’s two most high-profile free agents. Allen has not been available for comment since Zimmer was named coach.

“I hope we can have both those guys back,” Vikings defensive end Brian Robison said.

Both likely would have to take pay cuts. Allen, who has been all-pro four times and made five Pro Bowls in his 10-year career, earned $14.3 million last season; Williams was paid $4.9 million.

“I’m in a wait-and-see mode now,” Williams said. “There’s nothing more I can do. It’s kind of new not knowing what to expect (as a free agent), but we’ll see what happens in March. If nobody calls in March, then I’ll be worried.”

Williams last was all-pro in 2009 and last made a Pro Bowl in 2010. He dropped to 27th in the Pro Football Focus ranking in 2013 out of 69 NFL defensive tackles after having been in the top 10 the previous five years the website ranked players.

Williams ranked No. 1 in 2008, and was third in 2009 and 2010.

“I think it’s still consistent,” he said of his play. “Maybe not as many splash plays as before, but I think it’s still consistent and I’m where I’m supposed to be more times than not. I think I’m still contributing and helping the defense.”

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.