Kendricks said that despite those comments, he enjoyed playing for Zimmer, adding that he wouldn’t have signed up to reunite with him if he didn’t respect the coordinator. The 32-year-old rejected a contract offer with the 49ers to join Zimmer in Dallas.

“Yeah, absolutely, I always appreciated Zim,” Kendricks said. “Just the amount of defense I learned when I was underneath him. The way I watch film, the way we break things down, the install, a lot of things I learned from Zim and we had some good years and I can’t wait to continue that.”

It’s no secret that Zimmer can be a demanding coach. He was also decently successful during an eight-year run in Minnesota, compiling a 72-56-1 record with two division titles and three postseason berths. The style might have worn players down by the end, but as the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, it could bring out the best.

“Life’s hard,” Kendricks said. “Absolutely. I respect him fully. We’re going to get this thing going. I had a talk with him this past weekend. We’re excited to have this opportunity to work together again and play off each other.”