After a disappointing 2017 season, the Dallas Cowboys knew they needed to make changes. So far, the the only changes made have been to the coaching staff. They weren't necessarily big changes, and certainly not the ones a lot of Cowboys Nation wanted to see, but one new hire in particular could be a difference maker.
Yes, I'm talking about the Cowboys new defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, Kris Richard.
On paper, it looks like a small move on the Cowboys part and definitely a demotion for Kris Richard (the Seattle Seahawks former defensive coordinator), but I think this hiring is all about the future.
It's no secret Rod Marinelli contemplated retiring after the 2017 season, but ultimately decided to return as the Cowboys defensive coordinator for at least 2018. Beyond that point though it really looks as if Kris Richard will take over as the new DC in Dallas. Why else would he accept a demotion?
I know I'm probably reading between the lines just a little bit here, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. I think things were said, and maybe a few promises made behind closed doors that Richard will take over once Rod Marinelli calls it quits. But the kicker here is, he might just be Jason Garrett's replacement as well.
I know Jason Garrett currently has a ringing endorsement from Jerry Jones, but I think he is somewhat on the hot seat still, especially if the Cowboys have another disappointing season.
With that in mind, I started wondering how much input Kris Richard will have in the Dallas Cowboys offseason moves, especially in the draft. If Richard is indeed the future DC and possible HC in Dallas, why not start building the team with the kind of players he likes?
We already know the Dallas Cowboys aren't going to be very active in free agency. That's just not the way they have done things these past few years. They prefer to let the market settle before throwing their hat in the ring, which means they will be “bargain shopping” once again.
So, I don't really know how much input Kris Richard can have in free agency. But, the draft could be where we start to see him make an impact in Dallas.
We all know the Dallas Cowboys haven't prioritized defensive lineman early in the draft under the tutelage of Rod Marinelli. But, maybe that changes if Richard has much of a say in the draft process.
This of course is just one example. It could extend to just about any defensive position. Richard might have a different philosophy of what he looks for in certain players than Marinelli. That could possibly change the types of players the Cowboys target come draft time.
We are still a few months away from the 2018 NFL Draft, but I think Kris Richard could shake things up in the Cowboys War Room. It's just too bad that we have to wait to find out if I'm right or not.
