Cowboys Hire Ex-Pro Bowler & Former Super Bowl Champ in Staff Shake-up.
The Dallas Cowboys are extending their coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Head coach Mike McCarthy may return, but the coaching staff will be drastically different in 2024.
Dan Quinn, the Washington Commanders’ former defensive coordinator, has been named head coach, prompting dramatic changes. Greg Ellis, a former Pro Bowl pass rusher, will return as Dallas’ assistant defensive line coach.
According to DallasCowboys.com’s Nick Harris, the Cowboys have hired Greg Ellis, a former first-round choice, as an assistant defensive line coach, effective February 16, 2024. “Ellis has served as the head coach for Texas College and SAGU and will now get his first NFL opportunity with the team that began his NFL career in 1998.”
Additionally, Dallas hired Jeff Zgonina, the Commanders’ defensive line coach. The experienced coach will maintain his current role on the Cowboys’ staff.
Like Ellis, Zgonina is also a former player who made appearances on the following teams: Rams, Dolphins, Steelers, Panthers,
Falcons, Texans and Colts. Zgonia was part of the 1999 Rams team that won the Super Bowl.
Cowboys News: Dallas Hired Paul Guenther Who Is a Former Defensive Coordinator for the Bengals & Raiders
Dallas also hired Paul Guenther as the team’s defensive run game coordinator. Guenther is a veteran NFL coach who has
worked as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders. The coach has already worked with Zimmer in Cincinnati and Minnesota.
The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken reported on February 16 that the Cowboys have hired Paul Guenther as their
defensive run game coordinator. “This is a significant move for DC Mike Zimmer, who has long sought an accomplished top
assistant in whom he has complete faith. “Guenther is a former Bengals and Raiders defensive coordinator.”
Ellis’ hiring is especially remarkable given his extended tenure as a Cowboys starter. Dallas took Ellis with the eighth choice in the 1998 NFL draft.
Ellis played for the Cowboys for 11 of his 12 NFL seasons, starting all of them. In 2007, the former defensive end set a career
best with 12.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles. Ellis’ performance during the 2007 season earned him his only Pro Bowl selection.
New Dallas Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer Is Making Changes to the Structure Utilized by Dan Quinn
The addition of Guenther may appear modest, but it represents a slight adjustment for Dallas. Guenther will focus on defending
the run on Zimmer’s staff, which has not been a strength for the Cowboys in recent years. Quinn already appointed Joe Whitt Jr. as pass game coordinator.
“I mentioned on @TalkinCowboys this week that having a run game or pass rush specialist instead of a pass game coordinator (the role Joe Whitt Jr. vacated) would benefit Mike Zimmer’s staff so much more,” Harris said in a tweet. “The team pulled the trigger on that idea and hired Paul Guenther today.”
Leave a Reply