Demoted but not fired by the team this week, Monte Kiffin was retained by the Dallas Cowboys for his overall understanding of the 4-3 defense and his ability to mentor young players and coaches, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said in explaining the shuffling of the coaching staff this week.
“Our responsibility is to bring quality people into our organization and find the best fit for them. That applies to players, and it applies to coaches,” Garrett said, per the Dallas Morning News. “Rod Marinelli’s production in terms of creating turnovers and changing field position as a defensive coordinator is well documented.
“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.”
A lot of folks wondered aloud earlier this offseason if the Cowboys shouldn’t promote Marinelli to defensive coordinator, but the general thought was that, if that happened, Kiffin would be gone. But apparently, Jerry Jones and co. believe the 73-year-old is still valuable enough that they didn’t want to lose him altogether.
In Kiffin’s lone season as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys finished last in the league in defense.
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