Marinelli new DC/Kiffin Ass. HC - Defense

1bigfan13

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Cowboys shuffle coaching staff
Updated: January 28, 2014, 9:13 PM ET

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas – Presiding over the worst defense in Dallas Cowboys has earned Monte Kiffin a new job title.

Kiffin was named assistant head coach/defense on Tuesday night, while Rod Marinelli was promoted to defensive coordinator.

The Cowboys switched from the 3-4 to the 4-3 scheme with the hiring of Kiffin last year but finished last in the NFL in defense, allowed the most yards in franchise history and the second-most points in franchise history.

A master of the 4-3 scheme, the Cowboys hoped Kiffin could rekindle the magic he had for so long with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they moved from the 3-4. It never happened. The Cowboys hope Marinelli will have the same impact he had running the Chicago Bears' defense from 2010-12. The Bears forced the most fumbles (59), intercepted the third-most passes (65) and scored the most defensive touchdowns (13) in those three years while allowing the fourth-fewest points (904).

"Rod Marinelli's production in terms of creating turnovers and changing field position as a defensive coordinator is well documented," coach Jason Garrett said in a statement from the Cowboys. "Monte Kiffin's overall knowledge and understanding of this defensive scheme will be put to use in mentoring all of the players and coaches on the defensive side of the ball. Monte was brought here to direct a transition in philosophy to the 4-3 scheme, and he will continue to oversee the development of our defense in this scheme."

The Cowboys had injuries in 2013, losing players like Sean Lee, DeMarcus Ware, Morris Claiborne and Anthony Spencer for multiple games. They never had Jay Ratliff, who was cut in October. They also had subpar seasons from players they needed to play well, like Brandon Carr and Bruce Carter.

After the season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kiffin said he was not ready to retire and wanted to continue to be with the Cowboys. At the Senior Bowl last week owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Kiffin and Bill Callahan will return in 2014, but they will both be in different roles.

The Cowboys named Scott Linehan the passing game coordinator and will take over the play-calling duties from Callahan, who handled the job in 2013. Callahan will continue to hold the offensive coordinator/offensive line title.

According to a source, the Cleveland Browns were denied permission to speak with Callahan about a job on Mike Pettine's staff. A source told ESPNDallas that Callahan would not be pleased if Linehan would be added.

"The opportunity to add someone of Scott Linehan's expertise and experience will benefit our offensive unit," Garrett said, "and we believe the combination of him and Bill Callahan working closely together will give us a great chance to build upon the strides we made offensively last year."

While Linehan will be the Cowboys' third play caller in as many years, Marinelli will be Garrett's third defensive coordinator in as many years and his fourth since taking over as interim head coach in 2010.

Kiffin replaced Rob Ryan, who held the post for Garrett's first two seasons as head coach, but in 2012, the Cowboys allowed what was the most yards in a season in team history (5,687).

Kiffin's defense allowed 6,645 yards, which is the third-most allowed in NFL history. The Cowboys gave up 388 first downs, which is second-most in NFL history. The Cowboys allowed 432 points, second-most in team history. Only the 2010 defense gave up more (436).

The Cowboys gave up a record four 400-yard passing games to quarterbacks. They had five quarterbacks throw four touchdowns in a game, including two from backups in Chicago's Josh McCown and Green Bay's Matt Flynn. The New Orleans Saints put up an NFL record 40 first downs against the Cowboys in the Nov. 10 meeting. They allowed six rushers to eclipse more than 100 yards in the last eight games.
 

1bigfan13

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This is unbelievable.

I don't think anything like this has ever happened in professional sports.
 

1bigfan13

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I guess this is why Marinelli hung around.

The funny thing is I was actually thinking about him and that Tampa rumor earlier today. I guess Dallas dangled this job in front of him to lure him back.
 

Carp

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I'm happy that Marinelli is the DC...I could care less what title Kiffin has.
 

Carl

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I'm happy that Marinelli is the DC...I could care less what title Kiffin has.
Yes basically this. Marinelli should be an upgrade at DC and Kiffin is probably at most a consultant now. Finally some positive news, even though the Cowboys rarely handle things routinely. This should have been done weeks ago.
 

Cotton

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He's not the DC, which all I care about. I think that is what you might be struggling to make a point about.
I think he is making fun of you saying "could care less" versus what you probably meant in "couldn't care less". Annoys me, too.
 

Cotton

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In regards to this, I like the move. Kiffin probably shouldn't still be on the staff, but Marinelli is definitely an upgrade.
 

Carp

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LOL...ok, hope you guys will get over it.
 

Carp

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Now I am curious if we hire a new DL...not sure who is out there and available that has ties to Marinelli.
 
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