<> at Arrowhead Stadium on August 23, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri.

An NFL coach vows to fight through a serious health issue that could limit him on the field

NFL coach vows to coach next season after serious health scare.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer missed one game last season due to complications with his eye, and he has had eight surgeries to attempt to repair a detached retina.

Zimmer has missed the Vikings' OTAs, and general manager Rick Spielman said the coach should be back in a few weeks.

Related: NFL coach already having the worst year just had another health scare 

Zimmer addressed speculation that he might retire during a conference call with reporters on Friday.

Zimmer said he was forced to take time off, but he acknowledged the rest was the best thing for him during this part of the year.

The Vikings finished 8-8 last season under Zimmer, and they were 11-5 the previous year. The Vikings will be expected to contend for a playoff spot as long as Zimmer is on the sidelines next season.

(h/t CSN Philly)