After the 2019 season, in which a largely inexperienced staff helped contribute to a disappointing season and a middling record, new head coach Mike McCarthy has gone in the opposite direction adding a wealth of experience at most every turn.
This time it’s in the form of George Edwards, former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator from 2014-2019. The exact position on the staff is unknown at this time, but regardless, his resume in Minnesota speaks for itself. He and the defensive-minded head coach took over a defense that finished No. 27 in defensive DVOA in 2013 and almost immediately turned it into a top tier unit. His last four seasons on Mike Zimmer’s staff coincided with four straight top 10 defenses by Football Outsiders’ metrics.
More additions to the Cowboys staff: George Edwards will join Mike McCarthy staff. Edwards was the Vikings DC in 2019 and wasn't given a new contract when the season ended.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) January 24, 2020
It’s also a return home for Edwards, 56, who got his start coaching in the NFL with the Cowboys back in 1998, where he was put in charge of the linebacking corps through the 2001 season. That wasn’t exactly the hey day of football in Dallas, but it’s interesting to note that two underappreciated linebackers in Dexter Coakley and Dat Nguyen worked with Edwards early in their careers.
George Edwards is joining Cowboys staff and will work with linebackers. Role will be larger than that, per source
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 24, 2020
He enters a situation with the Cowboys with a higher pedigree of talent than his last go round with linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith at his disposal. That unit as a whole was disappointing last season after being hyped as possibly one of the best positional groups across the league. It’s yet to be determined who will hold the title of linebackers coach, as Scott McCurley will work with that group in some capacity.
In addition, the Cowboys have hired the son of former NFL head coach Jim Haslett, Chase, in the role of offensive quality control.
Add Chase Haslett joining the Cowboys staff as offensive quality control.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) January 24, 2020
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