FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys have finalized the position coaches under Mike McCarthy filling the role of wide receivers, tight ends, and linebackers. Dallas parted ways with former WR coach Sanjay Lal and LB coach Ben Bloom. The club moved former TE coach Doug Nussmeier to QB coach and the vacancy at tight end was replaced with Wells. Here are the newest additions to the staff:
Adam Henry- Wide Receivers
Henry spent the last two seasons serving as the receiver’s coach for the Cleveland Browns. He helped develop Odell Beckam Jr. and Jarvis Landry, who he also coached at LSU. Prior to the Browns, he was the position coach in New York from 2016-2017 working with OBJ. In 2016 and 2019 under Henry, OBJ had over 1,000 receiving yards and averaged over 13.0 yards after the catch. Landry had a career-high year in 2019 with 1,174 receiving yards and a 14.1 average after the catch with the direction of Adam Henry.
Previously, he had a stint with the 49ers as WR’s coach in 2015, and spent time with the Raiders as the team’s TE coach (2009-2011) and offensive quality control coach (2007-2008). Henry has now made his way back to the NFC East and will be in charge of Dak Prescott’s targets.
Lunda Wells- Tight Ends
The Cowboys hired another former Giants’ positional coach. Wells filled several roles with New York, starting in 2012 when he served as the offensive assistant, then moved to assistant offensive line coach (2013-2017), and tight ends coach (2018-2019). He will now fill the same role with the Giants’ divisional rival.
There was chatter that perhaps Jason Witten would transition from playing to coaching and would be a solid candidate for the needed role after being around the organization and a part of the Cowboys’ family for so many years. However, McCarthy decided to go a different route with a man that already has NFL coaching experience and many years under his belt at the college ranks. He started in college with LSU in 2008 as an offensive line assistant (2008-2009), before working with special teams and serving as an assistant to the head coach (2010-2011).
With the Giants, he worked with Evan Engram. Engram is one of the league’s elite ends with his ability as a blocker and receiver, but was sidelined in both 2018 and 2019 under Wells due to injury. Wells now has the chance to work with rising star, Blake Jarwin.
Scott McCurley- Linebackers
McCarthy reunites with former Packers’ defensive quality control coach and linebacker’s coach, Scott McCurley. McCurley joined the Packers as an intern in 2006 and worked his way up to becoming the coaching administrator the following year. In 2009, he was hired as the club’s defensive quality control coach and was promoted to linebacker’s coach in 2014.
McCurley played a major role in the development of Clay Matthews in his transition from outside to inside linebacker, resulting in a Pro Bowl nod. He now inherits the talented trio of Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, and Leighton Vander Esch. The bunch did not meet expectations in 2019 following an inconsistent season. Smith did record a team-high 142 combined tackles in 2019, along with 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception, but stats can often be deceiving. He tried to be the hero in many games rushing the quarterback, which produced gaping holes for rushers. The other LB’s and DB’s had to try and compensate, and more times than not missed tackles in space due to taking too high an angle.
There have been a lot of question marks surrounding LVE’s health status. He appeared in nine games in 2019 dealing with a neck injury and range of motion issues. He had surgery following the season to fix the nerve issue in his neck but should be back before Training Camp. On the other hand, veteran Sean Lee is 34 years old and is set to hit free agency. He told the media at the conclusion of the season that he would make a decision come March regarding his future.
The Cowboys are looking for a boost at LB after the disappointing season for the corps. in 2019.
