Mike McCarthy Reportedly Hires Mike Nolan to Be New Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
Mike McCarthy hasn't even officially been announced as the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and he's already making some major moves for the organization.
Shortly after news of his hiring broke, it was revealed he was zeroing in on landing Saints linebackers coach Mike Nolan to be his new defensive coordinator. Per a report, it's a done deal. Nolan will be joining McCarthy in Dallas.
The #Cowboys new defensive coordinator is going to be Mike Nolan, which also leaves the #Saints with a key spot to fill on their D, too. https://t.co/EbSqDLQQYm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2020
This is a strong hire by McCarthy, as Nolan has more than 30 years of NFL coaching experience. He just wrapped up his third season in New Orleans as linebackers coach for Sean Payton.
He's previously coached for the Broncos, Giants, Redskins, Jets, Ravens, 49ers, Dolphins, Falcons and Chargers.
In Mike Nolan’s 21 years as a HC or DC in the NFL, his teams have finished in the top 10 in takeaways 10 times...
— Joey Ickes (@JoeyIckes) January 6, 2020
His last stint as a DC was in ATL from 2012-2014, the falcons intercepted 46 passes in those 3 years, with a low of 10...
The last time DAL had >10 INTs was 2014.
As you can see, Nolan's got a history of strong defenses wherever he's gone. That's exactly why McCarthy wasted no time in going after him and locking up a deal.
Major changes have arrived for the Dallas Cowboys after missing out on the postseason in 2019-20. Expect more to come, too.