"For the past 12 years, the Cowboys have shown they have a type they prefer when it comes to their defensive coordinator: a former NFL head coach. It started in 2014 with Rod Marinelli ( Detroit Lions), turned into Mike Nolan ( San Francisco 49ers) in 2020, then Dan Quinn ( Atlanta Falcons) in 2021. In 2024, the Cowboys brought back Mike Zimmer, who was their defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2006, after his run as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings."
"It's a sound strategy, especially for Schottenheimer, who was a first-time head coach in 2025. It just did not work. They traded edge rusher Micah Parsons before the season, and the defense finished ranked last in points allowed (30.1) and passing yards (251.5), and 30th in total yards (377). The 30.1 points per game and 511 total points allowed were both franchise-worst marks."
The Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the 2025 season. The franchise has repeatedly hired former NFL head coaches as defensive coordinators over the past 12 years, including Rod Marinelli (2014), Mike Nolan (2020), Dan Quinn (2021) and Mike Zimmer (2024). The strategy aimed to let offensive-minded head coaches focus on offense while a veteran led the defense. In 2025 the Cowboys traded edge rusher Micah Parsons before the season. The defense finished last in points allowed (30.1) and passing yards (251.5), 30th in total yards (377), and allowed a franchise-worst 511 total points.
Read at ESPN.com
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