What happens to defensive coaches?

January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
3:00
PM CT
IRVING, Texas – Now that sources say Monte Kiffin will be the Cowboys’ next defensive coordinator, what will the rest of the defensive staff look like?

Linebackers coach Matt Eberflus is an excellent teacher and well respected by the players, but his only NFL experience has come under Rob Ryan. He was with Ryan in Cleveland and for the last two years with the Cowboys. With injuries to Sean Lee and Bruce Carter, he was able to keep his group together and playing fairly well.

Kiffin’s linebacker coach in Tampa Bay and Southern Cal, Joe Barry, could be available depending on how San Diego goes with its head coaching search, however, word is the Chargers would like him to remain.

Secondary coach Jerome Henderson also has the Ryan ties, but he has big fans in the front office and would seem to be a guy they would want to keep. As a former player, he can relate to the current players, but he is also tough enough on them to keep a distance. The Cowboys might want to keep the same messenger in the ear of No. 1 pick Morris Claiborne as he continues to develop.

One name to keep an eye on if Henderson is not retained is Raheem Morris, who is Washington’s defensive backs coach. According to a source, his contract expires in February. He worked under Kiffin in Tampa Bay.

Defensive line coach Brian Baker has 4-3 experience with a number of different teams and coached Julius Peppers in Carolina. He could help DeMarcus Ware with the full-time move to defensive end.
Todd Archer joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2010. He's covered the NFL since 1997 and the Cowboys since 2003. He covered the Bengals and Dolphins before arriving in Dallas. A Massachusetts native, Archer lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two children.

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