MINNEAPOLIS — A person with knowledge of the process says the Minnesota Vikings and Mike Zimmer are in negotiations to make him the new head coach.

The person spoke to the Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed and the team had not announced the hiring.

Zimmer is the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator. He would replace Leslie Frazier, who was fired Dec. 30 after the team finished 5-10-1 this season. Zimmer will be the ninth head coach in the franchise’s 54-year history.

General Manager Rick Spielman interviewed at least seven candidates for the job. Zimmer has been an NFL defensive coordinator for the last 14 seasons, including six with the Bengals.