Dallas Cowboys: Kris Richard desires humility, grit from the defense

The Dallas Cowboys managed to retain Kris Richard for at least one more year. The coach is focusing on creating the right environment for the team.

This offseason, general managers across the league sought after the Dallas Cowboys’ current defensive passing game coordinator, Kris Richard. Richard decided to stick with Dallas for the time being but has made it clear that he wants to be a head coach one day.

In only one year with the Cowboys, Richard’s influence has already yielded results. Last year, Byron Jones changed positions from safety to cornerback because Richard believed Jones’ length and athleticism suits him better when matched up against receivers on the outside.

Pro Football Focus ranked Jones as the fifth-best cornerback in 2018. Though Jones did not record an interception, he did force a 55.4 completion percentage and 11 pass breakups.

Richard believes that the key to becoming a successful player in the NFL is to be humble and tough. Here’s what he told DallasCowboys.com this past week.

"“That’s the one measurable that counts– it is humility and then your willingness to go out there and battle everyday … It’s toughness.”"

Players have to be humble so coaches can do their part and correct player’s mistakes and improve them in other areas. It takes a tremendous amount of trust and commitment to make the switch Jones went through. He had faith in Richard’s coaching abilities and so Richard was able to develop him into a Pro Bowl cornerback.

Towards the end of the interview, Richard was asked about his coaching philosophy. He did not hesitate and gave a remarkably passionate response …

"“Eliminate the big play. Get the ball. Get people on the ground. Have a great time doing it as one. It’s a brotherhood. It’s about a tribe not about a team. The tribe exists for one another.”"

It is easy to see why the whole locker room buys into what Richard preaches. When one succeeds, everyone succeeds. When one fails, everyone fails.

This mindset drove Dallas’ defense into becoming a really good defense in 2018. With another year together, the Cowboys’  defense should be expected to be one of the very best units in the league.

The Dallas Cowboys invested resources into bringing young and old defensive backs onto the roster, hopefully, Richard can continue to build his resume by molding them into something special. Richard’s experience, charisma, passion, and intelligence force him in the conversation of future head coaches. His time in Dallas in his current role is short.