Tag

Defensive Coordinator

All articles tagged with #defensive coordinator

Cowboys name Christian Parker new DC, vowing to fix the defense
sports6 days ago

Cowboys name Christian Parker new DC, vowing to fix the defense

Dallas named 34-year-old Christian Parker the team's new defensive coordinator after a lengthy, exhaustive interview process that sourced him from the Eagles. He’ll implement a 3-4 look and assemble a staff aligned with Vic Fangio’s philosophy, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressing confidence in the fit. Parker said he’s ready to learn from the right people and help Dallas rebuild a historically weak defense for 2026 and beyond.

Zak Kuhr Elevated to Patriots' Full-Time Defensive Coordinator
sports8 days ago

Zak Kuhr Elevated to Patriots' Full-Time Defensive Coordinator

The New England Patriots promoted Zak Kuhr to full-time defensive coordinator after he served as inside linebackers coach and interim DC last season; Kuhr previously rose from a Titans quality-control role in 2020 to Titans ILB coach (2021-23) and Giants defensive assistant (2024), with Vinny DePalma expected to return as inside linebackers coach.

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator
sports10 days ago

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator

The Las Vegas Raiders have promoted Rob Leonard from run game coordinator/defensive line coach to defensive coordinator. In his four seasons with the team, Leonard has overseen a defense that posted strong run-stopping metrics in 2025 (2nd in rushing yards allowed per attempt, 3.9; 3rd in tackles for loss) and saw Maxx Crosby earn multiple Pro Bowls, along with solid sack production. In 2024 his unit had 38 sacks and 20 passes defensed, with 18 players recording at least a half-sack. Leonard brings 16 years of NFL coaching experience, including roles with the Ravens, Dolphins, and Giants, plus college work at NC State.

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator, Emphasizing Aggression and Run Defense
sports10 days ago

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator, Emphasizing Aggression and Run Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders have hired Rob Leonard as their new defensive coordinator, promoting him from his previous role as defensive line coach and run game coordinator. Leonard brings a varied NFL coaching résumé (Giants, Dolphins, Ravens, Raiders) and a philosophy of aggression, downhill attack, and versatility. His units have shown solid pass rush and run-stopping metrics, with Maxx Crosby continuing as a standout edge rusher, and the team aims to maintain improved defensive pressure under his leadership.

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to DC Role, Betting on Growth Over Experience
sports10 days ago

Raiders Elevate Rob Leonard to DC Role, Betting on Growth Over Experience

Las Vegas promoted defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, betting on his NFL pedigree, mentorship under veteran coaches, and his strong rapport with star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, even though he has no prior DC experience. The move follows a wide candidate pool (Aubrey Pleasant, Jeff Howard, DeMarcus Covington) and lingering Crosby trade rumors; Jim Schwartz was floated but not hired. With Klint Kubiak calling the offense, Leonard will seek external guidance and staff continuity, while the Raiders weigh free-agent targets Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh and consider retaining coordinators like Joe Woods.

Raiders Still Pursuing Jim Schwartz as Defensive Coordinator Option
sports11 days ago

Raiders Still Pursuing Jim Schwartz as Defensive Coordinator Option

The Raiders are keeping Jim Schwartz in consideration for their defensive coordinator job, even though he’s under contract with the Browns through 2026 with a team option for 2027. Browns have not released him, and compensation could theoretically be handled via a trade or other maneuver, keeping Schwartz and Raiders’ interest tied to Browns’ eventual DC hire and Schwartz’s willingness to wait for an NFL opportunity.

Browns’ Five DC Options as Monken Keeps Schwartz’s Defensive System
sports18 days ago

Browns’ Five DC Options as Monken Keeps Schwartz’s Defensive System

The Cleveland Browns, following Kevin Stefanski’s firing and with Todd Monken signaling a plan to retain the current defensive system, are weighing five candidates to replace Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator: Jason Tarver, Ephraim Banda, Dino Vasso, Cory Undlin, and Jerod Mayo. Tarver brings Raiders DC experience; Banda is an up‑and‑comers’ coach with college‑level DC background; Vasso has Houston/Eagles/Chiefs experience but no DC track record; Undlin is a veteran NFL coordinator with Browns ties; Mayo is a former Patriots HC candidate. Monken’s insistence on preserving the system may narrow the field, but Cleveland should still attract interest given its roster.

Schwartz exits Browns; 2026 defensive coordinator job opens
sports19 days ago

Schwartz exits Browns; 2026 defensive coordinator job opens

Jim Schwartz resigned as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator after three seasons, opening a 2026 DC vacancy as head coach Todd Monken takes over. Schwartz, reportedly unhappy about being passed over for the head coaching job and still under contract, is not a free agent, and Cleveland will begin a search for a replacement. The team may consider internal candidates or assistants linked to Matt Burke while aiming to preserve the current defensive system.

Klint Kubiak’s Raiders weigh DC options from his coaching tree
sports22 days ago

Klint Kubiak’s Raiders weigh DC options from his coaching tree

The Las Vegas Raiders, now led by head coach Klint Kubiak, are evaluating multiple defensive coordinator candidates—many with ties to Kubiak’s network or his coaching tree—as they look to fill the DC role. Options range from in-house candidates like Joe Woods, Marcus Robertson, Rob Leonard, and Roy Anderson to external names such as Aden Durde, Karl Scott, Steve Wilks, Kris Kocurek, and Jim Schwartz, reflecting a blend of familiarity with Kubiak’s system and fresh perspectives for the Raiders’ defense.