EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- A day after laying his father, Bill, to rest in Naples, Florida, Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was back at practice Tuesday, sounding grateful to return to the relative cocoon of a demanding job.

By the time he spoke with reporters Tuesday morning, Zimmer had already broken down the film of the practice he missed Monday. He still sounded a little sore about the Vikings' sloppy final practice of training camp last Thursday, pointing out the Vikings' three fumbles in last Saturday's preseason game and saying, "We have to stop doing these kinds of things if we're going to be a good football team."

Beneath it all, though, Zimmer seemed happy to have a diversion.

"It's good to get back and get grinding again," he said.

Bill Zimmer, who passed away at age 84 last Tuesday, held an outsized place in his son's life. He coached Mike Zimmer in football and wrestling and was married to Mike Zimmer's mother, Ann, for 60 years. The Vikings coach -- whose credo in Minnesota has been that he wants "tough, smart, passionate football players" -- has credited his dad for teaching him what's important.

On Tuesday, Mike Zimmer said was glad to know he'd made his father proud.

"My dad was very, very proud of me. I know that; he has told me that many times," Zimmer said, his voice catching as he spoke. "I think my brother (Bill) said at the funeral yesterday, one of the lines was that he never bragged about himself, but if the air conditioner repairman was there, within one minute he was telling him, ‘My son is the head coach of the Vikings.’"