Evidence suggests the Dallas Cowboys got a great position coach to lead one of the team's best units
Though the Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer with continuity in mind, you can expect "change" to be theme on defense. With Matt Eberflus at defensive coordinator, a shift in mindset is expected, as the former Chicago Bears head coach runs things significantly different compared to Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn. His blitzes are fewer and he […]
Though the Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer with continuity in mind, you can expect "change" to be theme on defense.
With Matt Eberflus at defensive coordinator, a shift in mindset is expected, as the former Chicago Bears head coach runs things significantly different compared to Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn. His blitzes are fewer and he runs a one-gap style of defense that largely requires his front four to be successful in the trenches to unleash his linebackers as well.
That's why Eberflus' defensive line coach was always going to be a critical hire. Fortunately for the Cowboys, the evidence suggests they knocked the ball out of the park with the hire.
Aaron Whitecotton was hired to be the Cowboys defensive line coach. He led the Jets' defensive line for the previous four years under Robert Saleh, coaching a group widely acknowledged as successful.
According to A to Z Sports' Jets beat writer Mike Antoniou, Whitecotton will be missed by New York after the franchise attempted to keep him from heading to Dallas.
"Aaron Whitecotton is a name that a lot of Jets fans don't know but is a name they will certainly miss in 2025," Antoniou said. "The Jets tried hard to keep Whitecotton on Aaron Glenn’s staff, but he opted to join the Cowboys staff under new DC Matt Eberflus."
Whitecotton's impact can be measured by looking at the development of several young players on the Jets, as well as by Bryce Huff's decline in Philly.
"While Quinnen Williams was an established superstar by the time Whitecotton joined the staff, he is largely credited with the year two jumps from former first-round picks Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald," Antoniou added. "For further proof of Whitecotton’s role, just look at former Jet Bryce Huff and how he was non-existent for the Philadelphia Eagles. Whitecotton is an excellent coach with both interior and edge rushers and Micah Parsons will love having him as his coach. Look for Marshawn Kneeland and Mazi Smith to tap into their potential."
The Cowboys need a strong DL coach to develop the young talent it already has in its ranks. Whitecotton has the resumé to think he's the right man for the job.
Hopefully, Whitecotton also proves to be a selling point for defensive tackle and pending free agent Osa Odighizuwa. The latter is expected to be the top DT in free agency if made available. With the emphasis on rushing with four, keeping Osa would be a massive win for the Cowboys front office.