Dallas Cowboys: 3 out of the box defensive coordinator candidates

DL – Kris Kocurek

No, not that Kris, I am talking about former NFL player and current San Francisco defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. Kocurek has never been a defensive coordinator everywhere but he certainly has the experience to make the jump.

Most of the success that stout 49ers defense has had is often given to their defensive coordinator Robert Salah. When coordinators have success, I often look at their staff and try and pinpoint the reason.

The 49er’s secondary is led by defensive back Richard Sherman but has regressed from the season they had just a year ago. Their linebackers have played exceptionally well so I wanted to take a look at their linebackers coach Demeco Ryans as a DC candidate but it might be too early to tell on him.

The success the 49ers defense has had is mainly attributed to their well-coached and even higher selected defensive line. The team has multiple first-round picks upfront which is a big reason why the team made it to the Super Bowl last year.

Talent can only take you so far so coaching cannot be overlooked in this situation. Kocurek had his defensive line as stout as they come against the run but somehow got his position group to excel when rushing the passer.

If the Dallas Cowboys hired Kocurek, the team would at the very minimum be confident he could get highly touted players to perform at a high level. That is often overlooked when looking for a coach. He might not have a recognizable name but his success cannot be overshadowed by his inexperience.