Mike

Nolan

This was expected following the worst defensive performance in the franchise’s 61-year history. A non-inspiring name even at the time of his hire, Nolan tried installing an extremely technical scheme in a year with no offseason reps and preseason games, taking a struggling defense and arguably making it worse. The Cowboys finished 2020 having allowed a franchise-record 473 points including three first-half touchdowns to the Giants in Week 17’s must-win finale. Dallas was also road grated for 164.8 rushing yards per game, the second-worst mark in franchise history behind only the inaugural 1960 defense (186.8 yards). The organization will clearly look to rehaul that unit this offseason.

Specifically, Slater’s source said, “That’s what I’ve heard in the building ... Mike came by and said goodbye. I’d say it’s pretty certain.” Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero added that the Cowboys are “zeroing in on” Nolan. He’s spent the past three seasons coaching the Saints linebackers. Previously Nolan held defensive coordinator positions with the Falcons, Dolphins, Broncos, Ravens, Redskins, Jets, and Giants dating back to 1993. Nolan also served as the 49ers’ head coach from 2005-2008, during which time new Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was his offensive coordinator. The Cowboys boasted the league’s 11th-ranked scoring defense in 2019.

Remember him? The former 49ers coach was out of the league last year following a one-year stint as the Chargers’ LBs coach. The Saints may view him as a replacement for Joe Vitt, who was fired as LBs coach shortly after the season. Nolan was also up for the role of Jaguars’ LBs coach but recently withdrew his name from consideration.

The scoop came via Sirius XM NFL Radio, which employed Nolan in 2016. Nolan will be a position coach under DC Dennis Allen after spending one year out of coaching. He coached the Chargers’ linebackers in 2015 following stints as a defensive coordinator in Denver (2009), Miami (2010-2011), and Atlanta (2012-2014). Nolan was the 49ers’ head coach from 2005-2008.

Billick is the brother-in-law of Falcons head coach Mike Smith and also worked with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in Baltimore. He points out what’s become obvious: This Falcons defense is what we all expected the Cowboys defense to be this season. They rank 31st in yards allowed per game, 29th in points allowed per game and have just three sacks through four outings. The Giants, Bears, Ravens and Lions are up next.

Nolan has been either coordinating defenses or serving as a head coach every year since 2002. His past two Falcons units were abysmal, but his personnel was a major issue. He’s a nice addition to DC John Pagano’s staff.

The Falcons are fully expected to hire Seahawks DC Dan Quinn as their new head coach following the Feb. 1 Super Bowl. That could put Nolan on the market and the Cardinals are looking for someone to fill the big shoes of Todd Bowles. Dick LeBeau is expected to serve on the staff in some kind of “senior position.”