Mike Zimmer finalist with Vikings and candidate with Titans

According to reports, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is a leading candidate for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching vacancy.

That doesn't necessarily mean much because there is a process that will involve second interviews. Plus, Zimmer is one of the three reported finalists, according to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network.

From what I’m hearing, #Cardinals DC Todd Bowles believed to be a #Vikings finalist, too, with Mike Zimmer & 1 other.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2014

According to the Pioneer Press in Minnesota, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will invite the finalists for second interview with owner Zygi Wilf and the team's ownership group.

"Rick said that he had to go (interview) Zimmer over in Cincinnati (on Wednesday) and then his plan of action was that he was going to bring two or three guys from this network (of interviews) into Minneapolis to meet with Zygi and the whole group," John Wooten said via the Pioneer Press. "That's what he told me. But he didn't tell me who the people were. But he told me after he finished, that was going to be his plan."

Zimmer interviewed with the Titans on Thursday, but as of early Thursday afternoon, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is emerging as the top candidate. However, Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, Zimmer and Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt are up there too.