A Deep Dive into the Cowboys Coaching Changes

Though the NFL draft and free agency is still around the corner, the offseason has already kicked off with shuffling in the coaching ranks. Now, the Cowboys still retained Jason Garrett at the helm and both coordinators, Scott Linehan and Rod Marinelli but seven coaching changes were made across the staff. 

Special Teams Coordinator: Keith O’Quinn

O’Quinn replaces Rich Bisaccia, who joined Jon Gruden’s staff in Oakland. O’Quinn was Bisaccia’s assitant for the past four seasons which gives the team some stability with a familiar face. 

Quarterbacks Coach: Kellen Moore

This move was a little shocking to Cowboys fans. Wade Wilson was let go after two stints with the team, along with formerly being a backup quarterback behind Troy Aikman. Moore was a backup with the Cowboys since 2015 after starting his career under Linehan in Detroit. At only 29-years old, Moore will be a young coordinator but his intelligence and relationship with Dak should be beneficial going forward. 

Wide Receivers Coach: Sanjay Lal

Sanjay Lal joins the Cowboys staff after Derek Dooley headed back to the college ranks as the offensive coordinator at Missouri. Lal was the WR coach for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 after a two-year stint with the Buffalo Bills. A new voice leading the WR room could be valuable to Dez and company. 

Tight Ends Coach: Doug Nussmeier

Following Steve Loney’s retirement, the Cowboys hired Nussmeier as his replacement. Nussmeier served as the offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators last season but has ties to Linehan. When Linehan was the head coach of the Rams, Nussmeier was his quarterbacks coach. 

Offensive Line Coach: Paul Alexander

After not renewing Frank Pollack’s contract, Dallas hired Paul Alexander, who spent the last 23 years with the Bengals. During his time as the offensive line coach in Cincinnati, the Bengals were in the NFL’s top 10 in fewest allowed sacks in five of the last seven seasons. Coincidentally, Pollack replaced Alexander in Cincinnati. With the talent that the Cowboy’s offensive line holds, Alexander should do just fine in his new home. 

Linebackers Coach: Ben Bloom

In a interesting situation, to say the least, defensive assistant Ben Bloom replaced Matt Eberflus, who was set to join Josh McDaniels’ staff in Indianapolis. Following signing his contract with the Colts, McDaniels backed out of his verbal agreement and remained with the Patriots, yet Eberflus had already signed with the Colts. Bloom has been with Dallas since 2011 as he’s worked with all aspects of the defense. 

Secondary Coach: Kris Richard

The most exciting or notable addition to the Cowboys staff this offseason has been Kris Richard, who will coach the secondary. Richard replaces Joe Baker, who was let go by Dallas after the season. Prior to becoming the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks for the past three seasons, Richard was their secondary coach for three seasons. Known for leading the ‘Legion of Boom’ in Seattle, Richard should bring a new intensity and dexterity to the Cowboys secondary. 

The only coach retained besides Garrett, Linehan, and Marinelli is Gary Brown, who has been the running backs coach for the past five seasons. 

With an abundance of changes to the coaching staff, let’s hope an abundance of changes will be notable on the field, leading to a return to the playoffs.