Monte Kiffin out as Cowboys defensive coordinator

Monte Kiffin's Dallas defense gave up 27 points per game this season. (Gus Ruelas/AP) The Dallas Cowboys made wholesale changes to their coaching staff

Monte Kiffin's Dallas defense gave up 27 points per game this season. (Gus Ruelas/AP)

The Dallas Cowboys made wholesale changes to their coaching staff Tuesday, installing former St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan as passing game coordinator, moving Monte Kiffin from defensive coordinator to an assistant head coaching position and promoting former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, according to Pro Football Talk.

The Cowboys ranked 16th in the NFL in total offense but averaged 94.2 yards a game, ranking 24th in the league.

“Our responsibility is to bring quality people into our organization and find the best fit for them.  That applies to players, and it applies to coaches,” coach Jason Garrett said. “Rod Marinelli’s production in terms of creating turnovers and changing field position as a defensive coordinator is well documented. Monte Kiffin’s overall knowledge and understanding of this defensive scheme will be put to use in mentoring all of the players and coaches on the defensive side of the ball. Monte was brought here to direct a transition in philosophy to the 4-3 scheme, and he will continue to oversee the development of our defense in this scheme.

But their defense was historically bad, ranking dead last in the NFL in total defense and surrendering 415.3 yards a game, almost 20 yards more than the closest team.

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