‘Likely’ to Be Recruited as a DC on Schottenheimer’s Staff, According to Cowboys Rumors

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, rumors surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff have become the subject of much discussion. One particular buzz that has caught the attention of analysts and fans alike is the possibility of a new defensive coordinator (DC) joining the Cowboys under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. With the Cowboys having made significant strides in both offense and defense over the past few seasons, a change in the defensive coaching staff could signal a new era of Dallas football.

While many expected the Cowboys to remain relatively stable under head coach Mike McCarthy, the speculation about who would fill the DC role has added an interesting layer to the franchise’s offseason storyline. Several reports and sources have suggested that a certain coach is “likely” to be recruited as the next defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. This potential hire could have a profound impact on Dallas’s defensive schemes and how the team performs in the 2024 season and beyond.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rumors surrounding the Cowboys’ potential DC hire, analyzing the candidate likely to take the position, the dynamics between McCarthy, Schottenheimer, and the new coordinator, as well as what this hiring could mean for the team moving forward.

The Need for a New Defensive Coordinator

Before examining who the Cowboys may recruit as their next DC, it’s crucial to understand why this change is being considered. The Cowboys have historically been known for their offensive prowess, especially in recent years under quarterback Dak Prescott and a potent receiving corps. However, the team’s defense has been steadily improving, particularly under the leadership of previous defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Quinn, who took over as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2021, quickly transformed a unit that had struggled in prior seasons into one of the most aggressive and opportunistic defenses in the league. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense became one of the most feared in the NFL, with players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence emerging as cornerstone stars. The defense ranked among the best in the league in turnovers and sacks, making Dallas one of the top teams in terms of overall defensive efficiency.

However, despite these improvements, there were still occasional lapses in the defense’s consistency. In some pivotal playoff games, the Cowboys’ defense was unable to make the necessary stops, which ultimately led to early exits from the postseason. For example, in the 2023 NFC Divisional Round, the defense couldn’t provide enough support to the offense, and Dallas fell short against the San Francisco 49ers.

In light of these shortcomings, the Cowboys may be looking to further solidify their defense and make adjustments to enhance their chances of a Super Bowl run in the 2024 season. One possible solution: bringing in a new defensive coordinator who could offer a fresh perspective and adjust Dallas’s schemes to better match the strengths of the roster.

The Likely Candidate for DC: A Former NFL Head Coach

According to several reliable sources and rumors circulating around the Cowboys’ front office, the coach most likely to be recruited as the new defensive coordinator is none other than Vic Fangio. Fangio, who has long been recognized as one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL, is reportedly a strong candidate to join Schottenheimer’s staff in a key defensive role.

Fangio’s experience as both a defensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL makes him a prime candidate to lead the Cowboys’ defense. His long tenure as a defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, as well as his brief time as head coach of the Denver Broncos, has given him a deep understanding of how to build successful defensive units. During his time with the 49ers and Bears, Fangio built some of the best defenses in the league, garnering praise for his ability to develop complex, aggressive schemes that keep offenses guessing.

One of the hallmarks of Fangio’s coaching style is his ability to tailor defensive schemes to the strengths of his players, making him an ideal fit for a Cowboys defense that features some elite talent in Parsons, Lawrence, and Diggs. Known for his mastery of the 3-4 defense, Fangio could bring a level of sophistication and discipline to the Cowboys’ defense that could help them avoid the occasional lapses that have plagued the team in recent years.

Moreover, Fangio’s reputation as a defensive innovator could provide the Cowboys with the edge they need to get over the hump in the playoffs. His ability to make in-game adjustments, disguise blitzes, and generate pressure on quarterbacks could complement the Cowboys’ existing roster, giving them one of the most complete defensive units in the NFL.

The Dynamics Between Schottenheimer, McCarthy, and Fangio

The dynamic between offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, head coach Mike McCarthy, and the new defensive coordinator is essential to understanding how the Cowboys will evolve under their new staff. Schottenheimer, who joined the Cowboys as offensive coordinator in 2023, has a long history of working with quarterbacks and crafting successful offensive schemes. While his offense was highly effective during the 2023 season, it became apparent that McCarthy, as head coach, had more influence over the team’s offensive philosophy than Schottenheimer. This could be indicative of how the team’s offensive and defensive systems will interact going forward.

McCarthy is known for his offensive expertise, having coached elite quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers during his time in Green Bay. However, his decision to lean on Schottenheimer for offensive play-calling may signal a shift in McCarthy’s approach as a head coach. With the Cowboys having one of the league’s best offenses, McCarthy might want to focus more on overseeing the defense, ensuring that Dallas remains a well-rounded, balanced team. In this context, hiring a defensive coordinator like Fangio, who has extensive experience as a defensive mind and a history of developing strong units, could be seen as an effort to solidify the defensive side of the ball while McCarthy continues to focus on team-wide management.

The collaboration between Schottenheimer, McCarthy, and Fangio will likely be one of the most critical factors in determining the success of the Cowboys in 2024 and beyond. With Schottenheimer focused on leading a potent offense and McCarthy taking more of a backseat role, Fangio would have the freedom to implement his defensive vision without interference. His experience with coordinating high-pressure, high-intensity defenses could help McCarthy and Schottenheimer build a well-rounded team that is ready to make a deep playoff run.

What Fangio Brings to the Table for the Cowboys

Fangio’s defensive philosophies are rooted in creating disruption and maintaining discipline. His 3-4 defense places a heavy emphasis on flexibility, allowing linebackers like Parsons to thrive as both pass-rushers and coverage players. This could unlock new dimensions for Parsons, who has already established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL.

In addition to his scheme, Fangio’s ability to develop defensive players and adapt his strategies to counter modern NFL offenses is a major strength. His defenses have consistently ranked among the league’s best in terms of stopping the run, defending the pass, and forcing turnovers. If hired, Fangio would likely focus on maintaining the Cowboys’ strength in the pass rush while shoring up any weaknesses in the secondary and linebacker corps.

Fangio’s ability to adjust to different types of offenses is also vital for a team like Dallas, which faces potent offensive threats from rivals like the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders in the NFC East. With the ability to effectively neutralize high-scoring offenses and take away opposing quarterbacks’ comfort in the pocket, Fangio’s expertise could make the Cowboys’ defense even more formidable.

Impact on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl Aspirations

Ultimately, the hiring of Fangio as the new defensive coordinator would signal that the Cowboys are committed to addressing their defensive shortcomings and making a stronger push for a Super Bowl appearance in the coming seasons. Although the Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, including a top-tier quarterback, a star running back, and one of the best receiving corps, it has been the defense that has occasionally held them back in crucial moments.

Fangio’s reputation as a top-tier defensive strategist could be the missing link to ensure that Dallas’s defense is not only capable of dominating during the regular season but also stepping up in the postseason. As the Cowboys have learned all too well in recent years, it’s often defense that makes the difference in Super Bowl-caliber teams. By adding a coach like Fangio, the Cowboys could transform their defense into a championship-caliber unit.