3 defensive coordinators the Cowboys need to hire in 2021

Jerry Jones has shown that he clearly values filling vacant coaching positions with people who have prior experience. If Pleasent doesn’t check all of the boxes, Dallas should look at Austin, who has five seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator to his name. Austin, who has been interviewed multiple times for head coaching jobs, was credited with both leading an elite Baltimore Ravens secondary to a title in 2012 and turning around the Detroit Lions’ defense as soon as he got there in 2014. Since 2019, Austin has been in charge of the Steelers’ secondary, and the play of Minkah Fitzpatrick should serve as a testament to his ability.

While Keith Butler is the team’s defensive coordinator, the Steelers have been a top-five defense in each of the last two seasons, which coincides perfectly with Austin’s arrival. While his work with defensive backs will make him an attractive hire, Austin has shown in the past that he can galvanize an entire defense, a skill that is sorely needed as the linebackers regressed and the pass rush started to evaporate. Austin turned Detroit around in the past, and he could pull off a similar trick in Dallas.