Dallas Cowboys fans have been screaming for a new head coach for the last few years. Now, the entire coaching staff has been completely transformed. Here’s a look at the current coaching staff under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Defensive Coordinator – Mike Nolan
The Cowboys have struggled on defense over the last several years and Nolan is looking to transpire a new defensive mindset. Nolan’s turn-over statistic will get fans excited. In 21 years as a head coach or defensive coordinator, his teams have finished top 10 in takeaways on 10 occasions. While he was the defensive coordinator in Atlanta from 2012 to 2014, the team had 46 interceptions with the lowest season converting ten interceptions. The Cowboys haven’t had 10 interceptions in a season in the last five years.
The question being thrown around right now is if he is going to convert the current 4-3 defense into a 3-4 defense and how this change could shift player personnel drastically. Demarcus Lawrence signed a five-year contract extension worth $105 million in April, so he is safe. However, Robert Quinn, Antwaun Woods, and Michael Bennett could become unrestricted free agents soon. Injured Dorance Armstrong’s contract expires in 2022.
Offensive Coordinator – Kellen Moore
McCarthy was impressed with Moore in his first year as a play-caller for the Cowboys. Moore led the Cowboys to a league-best 431.5 yards per game. The 27.1 points per game were the league’s sixth-best. It’s a great opportunity for Moore to gain further knowledge under another seasoned coach.
Special Teams Coordinator – John Fassel
Fassel, nicknamed “Bones,” is joining the team from the Los Angeles Rams as the special teams coordinator. The Cowboys were the league’s worst in special teams, and Fassel can be the guy to turn them around quickly. Fassel is known around the players as a loud and entertaining coach. The special teams unit will be exciting to watch again, something that the Cowboys haven’t had since Deion Sanders.
Quarterbacks Coach – Doug Nussmeier
This will be the fourth quarterback coach that Dak Prescott has had in five years. He improved dramatically last season under former Cowboy quarterback, Jon Kitna. In a somewhat surprising move here by McCarthy, this is clear evidence that McCarthy is truly hiring who he wants. Nussmeier is transferring over from the tight ends coach. He played quarterback in the NFL and was the offensive coordinator for Alabama, Michigan, and Florida before joining the Cowboys’ coaching staff. This possibly opens the door for current tight end Jason Witten to join the coaching staff. There are rumors floating around, but nothing official at this point yet. Witten must decide if he wants to continue playing or not.
Linebackers Coach – Scott McCurley
McCurley was part of McCarthy’s staff in Green Bay as defensive quality control coach and defensive assistant and also worked with the linebackers. McCurley is responsible for Clay Matthew’s success. McCurley will have Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch and possibly Sean Lee to improve at the linebacker position.
Defensive Line Coach – Jim Tomsula
Tomsula likes to rotate the defensive line players to keep them fresh and rested. Tomsula will be looking forward to signing or retaining the current defensive line players. Tomsula was the Redskins’ defensive line coach and now he gets the opportunity to face them twice a year. Since Tomsula hasn’t had a successful head coaching stint, this hire is somewhat questionable.
Offensive Line Coach – Joe Philbin
The offensive line coach is often referred to as the most important non-coordinator job on any coaching staff. Trust may be the sole reason behind this McCarthy hire as former line coach Columbo was released of his duties. Philbin brings 22 years of experience coaching offensive lines and another 14 years as an offensive coordinator. Philbin is inheriting possibly the greatest offensive line in the league, a job he should succeed at.
Defensive Back Coach – Maurice Linguist
Linguist is replacing Kris Richard’s coaching position. Linguist is joining the Cowboys after he confirmed he was leaving his job as Texas A&M’s cornerback coach. He will help the team turn the defensive scheme around by creating turnovers.
Wide Receiver Coach – Vacant
Sanjay Lal was informed he would not be returning six days ago. This is not a surprise even though the Cowboys had two (Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup), 1,000-yard receivers this year. The inconsistency and drops are key to this coaching release.
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