Dallas Cowboys: 4 possible replacements for Mike Nolan in 2021

#2 – Brian Baker – Colts defensive line coach

The Indianapolis Colts’ defense has been terrific this season. They currently rank fifth in the NFL in scoring defense (20.8), second in yardage allowed (298.1), fourth against the pass (208.9), and third against the run (89.2).

If the Cowboys wish to pluck a member of the Colts’ staff to become the new defensive coordinator in Dallas, the likely candidate would be Brian Baker. Currently the Colts’ defensive line coach, Baker has nearly two decades of NFL coaching experience. That includes a stint with the Cowboys.

The defensive line coach in Dallas from 2011-2012, Baker worked with former Cowboy greats like DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff. He dropped back into the college ranks in 2016, coaching future NFL stars like the Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons and Washington’s Montez Sweat as the defensive line coach for Mississippi State for three years.

Baker was then hired to be the associate head coach and defensive line under Nick Saban at Alabama in 2019.

While Brian Baker has never held the title of defensive coordinator on the NFL level, it appears to be a role he’s been preparing for his entire life.