Blogging The Boys
After months of speculation, it has happened: Matt Eberflus is out as the Cowboys defensive coordinator after just one year on the job. Brian Schottenheimer publicly backed his embattled coordinator all season long, but the lack of improvements or adjustments at any point throughout the year forced his hand once the season ended.
Now, Schottenheimer will look for the franchise’s fourth different defensive coordinator in as many seasons, as he tries to turn around this unit that played a huge part in costing the Cowboys a shot at the playoffs this year. As the search begins, here are 15 coaches Schottenheimer should (and likely will) consider.
The defensive coordinator for the Browns over the last three seasons, Jim Schwartz has had plenty of success in his career. Over the last three seasons, Cleveland is first in the league in EPA/play allowed by a considerable margin. The year prior to his arrival, Cleveland was 25th in EPA/play allowed.
Schwartz checks a lot of boxes. He’s coordinated some great defenses throughout his career – he held that title when the Eagles won their first Super Bowl – and also has been a head coach before, going 29-51 in five seasons with the Lions with one playoff appearance. And with the Browns moving on from Kevin Stefanski on Monday morning, Schwartz is available.
Schwartz is known as an X’s and O’s mastermind, selective in his aggression and tailoring the scheme to the week’s matchup. He cut his teeth under Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams with the Titans, both of whom Schottenheimer worked alongside with the Rams.
One of the two most commonly listed names on Cowboys fans’ wish list – the other being Brian Flores, who is almost certainly not a realistic option – is Jim Leonhard, currently the assistant head coach and pass game coordinator for the Broncos.
In Denver, Leonhard has played an integral role in turning the Broncos into a defensive powerhouse, with the secondary being especially elite. Prior to that, Leonhard went 4-3 as the interim head coach at his alma mater, Wisconsin, following six seasons as the defensive coordinator there. Many felt he should’ve been named the full time head coach, especially given how stout his defenses had been prior to being elevated.
Considered a rising star, Leonhard is on the path towards being a head coach, and may get interviews this year. If Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph gets a head coaching job elsewhere, though, Leonhard could opt to stay in Denver for a promotion. That said, Leonhard spent three seasons playing for the Jets, during which Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator.
Hiring a recently-fired Falcons head coach worked out really well last time, so why not?
All jokes aside, Raheem Morris is going to be a hot commodity for defensive coordinator openings around the league. Atlanta didn’t even wait until Black Monday, firing Morris Sunday night after wrapping up his second 8-9 finish in as many seasons...
