DALLAS – The Dallas Cowboys announced the resignation of defense coordinator Mike Nolan and defense coach Jim Tomsula on Friday.
The Cowboys had one of the worst defensive performances in the history of the franchise and, worse, they were criticized throughout the 2020 season for an apparent lack of intensity from various defensive players.
“I appreciate my relationship with both Mike and Jim, and I appreciate the contributions they have made to our team in the difficult circumstances of 2020,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said in a statement. “They are never easy decisions to make. I wish them and their families the best in the future. “
Both coaches were hired as part of McCarthy’s staff at the end of the previous season.
Cowboys announce the departure of defense coordinator Mike Nolan and defense coach Jim Tomsula.
Details➡️https: //t.co/vZAZbkWzGN pic.twitter.com/Sbe2URJ9iP
– Somos Cowboys (@SomosCowboys) January 8, 2021
Dallas’s defense was poor in every way from start to finish, including a lack of communication and match-day preparation, which players complained about anonymously during the first half of the season.
Dallas received 29.6 points per game, the fifth-worst record in the NFL; they were penultimate against the run, accepting 58.8 yards per section, for a total of 386.4 yards per game.
The Cowboys gave up 258 points in the first six games, the highest amount since 1954 for any team in the league. In the end they accepted 473 points, the most in their history.
Dallas allowed 164.8 yards per rush average per game, the second worst record; only back to the year of its founding in 1960.
During the last four games, of those who won three, they seemed to improve defense by regaining 11 rival balls.
Dallas finished 6-10, for the second year in a row outside the postseason.