Who Could Be the Cowboys Defensive Coordinator in 2021?
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Nolan seems to be on his way out of Dallas after the 2020 season. The Cowboys have not formally announced the move, but reports are pointing to a split between the team and Nolan at the conclusion of the regular season. Dallas' defense, both on the field and on the stat […]
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Nolan seems to be on his way out of Dallas after the 2020 season. The Cowboys have not formally announced the move, but reports are pointing to a split between the team and Nolan at the conclusion of the regular season.
Dallas' defense, both on the field and on the stat sheet, has not been pretty. Nolan's unit ranks 23rd in yards per game and last in points per game through Week 14. Injuries have been an issue, but every team has injuries. Change is imminent. So, what does it all mean?
It means the organization will be back in the market for a new DC just a season after hiring Nolan, but this decision may not come swiftly. McCarthy and company know how vital the hire will be for the team's future. At the forefront, the new defensive play-caller will need to be able to maximize the talent of big-contract players, like DeMarcus Lawrence and Jaylon Smith, as well as young players, like Trevon Diggs and Leighton Vander Esch. There are some names that stand out as potential fits for the position.
Dan Quinn, Former Falcons HC & Former Seahawks DC
This one may leave a weird taste in Cowboys fans' mouths. The last scene of Quinn's career was a downward spiral as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Keep in mind, though – that Quinn was a key cog in the Seattle Seahawks' defensive success from 2013-2015. In his first year with Seattle, they became the first team since the 1985 Chicago Bears to lead the league in yards allowed, points allowed, and takeaways. Not to mention, they won the Super Bowl that season.
He returned to the Super Bowl with Atlanta (as head coach) in 2016 but lost to the New England Patriots. Quinn is known for being beloved by his players, and he has 20 years of NFL coaching experience. He will probably get a look from multiple teams as a coordinator, so Dallas could definitely be an option.
Chris Hewitt, Current Ravens Pass Defense Coordinator
Chris Hewitt is an under-the-radar option for the Cowboys. Hewitt is highly regarded in the league, even though his name may be lesser known to the media and fans. The 46-year-old has had a steady rise, beginning from the college ranks to one of the highest positions on the Ravens' staff.
Baltimore has had one of the strongest secondaries in the NFL during his tenure. This would be vastly important to a Dallas secondary that is one of the most inexperienced in the entire league. Hewitt has helped transform Marlon Humphrey into one of the best Cornerbacks in the NFL as well as get the most out of Marcus Peters since his arrival in Baltimore. Hewitt would also be on the younger side for many NFL coordinators. An influx of youth could also be exciting for Cowboys fans.
Wade Phillips, Former NFL HC & DC
Speaking of youth…
Okay, maybe not quite – but a Wade Phillips reunion makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys. Is it unlikely? Possibly. On the other hand, there have been rumors swirling for months that Wade wants back into coaching. Plus, his work in the past handful of years as a defensive coordinator has proven he can still coach defense effectively. Also, reports are surfacing that Phillips is interested in the Raiders' DC job that just opened up in the last week. So, the 73-year-old Phillips doesn't show signs of letting up anytime soon.
As recently as 2015, his defense led a Denver Broncos team to a Super Bowl win. Additionally, his last position was as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. His group helped LA get to Super Bowl LIII, where they fell to the New England Patriots, 13-3. Their defense certainly did plenty to win that game, but Bill Belichick was too much for young Sean McVay and company.
All of these candidates provide a little bit different in terms of specialty, scheme, and experience. It is certainly possible many other guys will get interviews, but look out for these coaches to emerge as a possible replacement for Mike Nolan after this season.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
