Cowboys should be terrified of losing beloved assistant during coaching carousel
The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff will likely see a significant change this offseason. Depending on their performance in the playoffs, it could be said that the Cowboys need a new head coach and defensive coordinator. If Dallas wins again before the NFC Championship Game, owner Jerry Jones could send Mike McCarthy packing. It may seem like a stretch considering everything McCarthy has done over the past three years, but he may not be the man to lead the Cowboys to the promised land. Conversely, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn may be looking for greener pastures. Everyone was surprised. Quinn returned to Dallas last season and was interviewed for several head coaching vacancies, including with the Broncos and Colts. The futures of McCarthy and Quinn will be a big topic after the season, but the Cowboys also have to worry about the possibility of members of their coaching staff leaving. Especially defensive backs coach Al Harris, who named former Packers teammate Will Blackmon the best DB coach in the league. The Cowboys must retain DB coach Al Harris at all costs.
On one hand, it’s nice to see Harris getting the recognition she deserves. On the other hand, other teams may have taken note of the great job Harris has done in the Cowboys secondary since being hired as the defensive backs coach in 2020. Prior to joining Dallas, Harris coached at the college and NFL levels for 11 years, including as an assistant coach with the Chiefs from 2013 to 2018. During that time, Kansas City ranked in the top 10 in interceptions in five of Harris’ six seasons. Since then, Harris has done incredible things for the Cowboys.
Under Harris’ watch, Trevon Diggs has been promoted as a top cornerback. Meanwhile, safeties Donovan Wilson and Jayron Kearse had career performances in Harris’ second season. Even Anthony Brown set career highs in tackles, pass breakups and pass breakups that year. Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman wholeheartedly agrees with Blackmon.
Last but not least is the development of DaRon Bland, led by Harris. Bland has an NFL-high six touchdowns after the fifth game of the season on Thanksgiving and leads the league in INTs this season and since being drafted last year.
This is no coincidence, and Harris will be a notable name on this year’s coaching merry-go-round as one of the candidates for the defensive coordinator vacancy. Otherwise, if the team offers him more than he currently has in Dallas, he could leave for that position.
