Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas — After an underwhelming 6-10 season, the Dallas Cowboys wasted no time making adjustments to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula were let go, according to multiple reports on Friday.
In 2020, the Cowboys allowed a franchise-worst 473 points and concluded the season 31st in the NFL in run defense. Needless to say, the personnel changes come as no shock.
The defense played better as the season wore on and players became more comfortable and confident in their individual assignments, recording 12 takeaways in the final four games after only tallying 11 in the previous 12 games. Despite the improvements, the squad’s historically horrendous production week after week overshadowed the development. The defense gave up over 200 yards on the ground on four separate occasions: Browns (307), Cardinals (261), Washington the first time (208), and Ravens (294).
The unit struggled in Nolan’s new hybrid scheme incorporating 3-4 looks after an entirely virtual offseason program with no hands-on, face-to-face interaction until a shortened training camp. Players were still tailored to fit Rod Marinelli’s 4-3, get up and attack style of defense. Dallas’ defense had to work out the hiccups during the season, of working with a new coaching staff and switching schemes- ends utilizing a two-point stance as opposed to a three and a two-gap vs. a one-gap. Owner and General Manger, Jerry Jones admitted to 105.3 The Fan following the season that he “underestimated” how challenging the switch would be for players.
As a result, the Cowboys finished 23rd in yards per game (11th against the pass, 31st against the run), and 28th in points with 29.6.
Head coach Mike McCarthy had a previous working relationship with Nolan, and he became the first hire when McCarthy assumed his role in Dallas. Nolan hired McCarthy as his offensive coordinator in 2005 with the 49ers, which in turn helped him achieve his head coach job with the Green Bay Packers a year later. McCarthy returned the favor hiring Nolan, but to no avail.
The Cowboys’ did suffer injuries to key starters on defense including Gerald McCoy, Leighton Vander Esch, Chidobe Awuzie, Trevon Diggs, and Trysten Hill but the unit could never find consistency.
In addition to Nolan, the Cowboys parted ways with Jim Tomsula, a first-year coach as well. Tomsula had served as the defensive line coach for the 49ers in 2007 and 2008 under head coach Mike Nolan. The two reunited with the Cowboys but after a lackluster season by the defense, both are the first to go.
The Cowboys released a statement on Friday from Mike McCarthy on parting ways with Mike Nolan and Jim Tomsula.
“I am appreciative of my relationship with both Mike [Nolan] and Jim [Tomsula], and I am grateful for the contributions that both of them made to our team under difficult circumstances in 2020. These are never easy decisions to make, and we wish them, and their families, the very best in the future.”
George Edwards, the Cowboys’ senior defensive assistant in 2020, would most likely be the Cowboys replacement if the organization looks in-house. However, the burning question is what the Cowboys will do about scheme in 2021? If they will continue with Nolan’s hybrid system, then drafting players/ picking up free agents that fit a 3-4 is of the utmost importance. Or will the defense return to its bread and butter?
