Cowboys

Defense

They might be the biggest bust of any defense in the league, allowing 28 points per game during the last four games.

Jets beat writer Brian Costello first broke the news. Perhaps he got the surprising scoop from someone close to Ryan’s twin brother. Costello advises to forget about a Ryan Brothers reunion, as secondary coach Dennis Thurman has already been promoted to Jets defensive coordinator. Ryan’s Dallas defense was among the league’s stingiest early in the season before losing several key players to injuries. For his part, Ryan believes he’ll be “out of work for like five minutes.” It may have been that kind of bravado that helped wear out his welcome in Big D.

We don’t typically blurb position coach hirings, but Marinelli is a good enough teacher to make a significant impact in Dallas. Along with new DC Monte Kiffin, Marinelli will bring a four-man front to a Cowboys defense that has long been a staple 3-4 team. Marinelli has gotten the best out of Simeon Rice and Julius Peppers, and should be able to maximize DeMarcus Ware’s talents.

Kiffin will be replacing Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme with a 4-3 alignment, and is returning to the NFL after a four-year stint as his son Lane’s coordinator at USC. Kiffin has 25 years of NFL coaching experience, but will turn 73 next month. His Trojans defense fell apart last season. Regardless, Kiffin has long been one of the league’s most respected assistants, though he supposedly will not force his “Tampa 2" coverage scheme on CBs Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, who excel in press coverage. DeMarcus Ware will shift from outside linebacker to end in his new boss’ system. Ware will be doing it without the benefit of an offseason, as he’s recovering from extensive shoulder surgery.

Kiffin spent the day at Valley Ranch, meeting with owner Jerry Jones and staff. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Tampa 2 master will not force his cover 2 scheme on press corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. According to ex-Bucs LB Derrick Brooks, Kiffin “wants to earn his reputation back” after his Tampa defense fell apart once he announced he was leaving back in 2008. “I know that bothers him,” said Brooks. “He is motivated in that sense.”

Kiffin has emerged as the favorite from a list that surprisingly includes Cardinals DC Ray Horton, who is twisting in the wind following Ken Whisenhunt’s firing. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was a backup QB with the Bucs in 2004 when Kiffin was running Jon Gruden’s offense. The creator of the Tampa 2 defense ranked in the top 10 in fewest yards and points allowed a league-record 10 times. The Tampa 2 would seem to be ill-suited to Dallas’ two major 2012 investments, CBs Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. The Chiefs reportedly had designs on Kiffin as their defensive boss, but the 72-year-old wasn’t interested.

“To be doing what we’re doing and to fix what we’re doing, there’s nobody I would rather have than (Kiffin) and (DL coach) Rod Marinelli,” Jones said after the Cowboys’ Monday drubbing in Chicago, where the Bears never punted. Firing Kiffin now would likely only make things worse, but it’s hard to believe the once revered assistant will be back in 2014. The Cowboys have had their fair share of injuries, but their defensive play has simply been unacceptable. Big D has allowed 333 more yards than any other team.

He says he wouldn’t consider taking a general-manager job but will miss the competition during his time away. We suspect Parcells would get quite a few interviews next offseason if he’s still open to coaching again.

Dallas is reportedly looking at Williams as a defensive coordinator, a job that was already offered to Dom Capers. Capers will probably take on a consultant role instead. If Williams is hired, the Cowboys will either fire incumbent coordinator Brian Stewart, or ask him to take a demotion.

“There’s nothing that can happen in the playoffs that would change my thinking about him being head coach,” Jones said of Phillips. “I don’t know how you could even have a question as to whether or not he’s coaching or not for the Cowboys in the future.” Garrett could just get an extension and promotion to assistant head coach if Tony Sparano departs.