Latest NFL coaching news opens the door for Cowboys to lose an important member of their coaching staff
The Dallas Cowboys will need to monitor the latest news in the NFL coaching cycle that could affect them.
Though the Dallas Cowboys are worried about finding their new defensive coordinator in the heels of Matt Eberflus’ firing, but soon they might have to worry about losing an important position coach to the NFL’s coaching cycle.
That’s because the latest NFL coaching update from around the league sets up the perfect opportunity for Cowboys QB coach Steve Shimko.
Jeff Hafley and Steve Shimko
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is considered one of the strongest candidates for a head coaching position in this year’s cycle. On Thursday morning, the Tennessee Titans submitted a request to interview him, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Why should Cowboys fans care?
When Hafley was head coach at Boston College, Shimko was on his staff, and there’s no question Hafley felt good about him. In a four-year span, Shiko climbed the ranks from tight ends coach, to quarterbacks, and lastly offensive coordinator.
Last month, NFL insider Conor Orr said on a podcast that both coaches could reunite if Hafley lands a head coaching gig.
“(Hafley’s) offensive coordinator at B.C. was Steve Shimko, who is the quarterback’s coach in Dallas now,” Orr said. “And I think the two of them could pair up if Hafley ends up getting a head coaching job.”
Shimko is involved in play calling duties
Though we don’t know the extent of his role, a brief moment in HBO’s Hard Knocks suggested Shimko is involved in play-calling at least a little bit. In a scene from the series stemming from the Cowboys’ loss to the Detroit Lions, head coach Brian Schottenheimer is captured speaking to Shimko on the headset, and asking him to “let’s just run plays to get the ball to (George Pickens) and (CeeDee Lamb) right now, okay? Those are our guys.”
Naturally, losing Shimko would be an important blow to the Cowboys coaching staff. And it could happen even if it’s not with the Titans. Hafley’s name is expected to pop up on several teams’ candidates list. Schottenheimer has more urgent tasks on his plate right now, but losing Shimko is something he’ll have to plan for.