DC.COM: Coaching Changes Hit Defense With Rob Ryan’s Release

[WoodysGirl]

Rowan Kavner
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys' second major coaching change in as many days occurred Tuesday, as defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was released.

Ryan is the first defensive staff member to be let go after coaching a defense hit by a slew of injuries, beginning with a season-ending Achilles’ injury to safety Barry Church.

Though the 8-8 finishes of the last two seasons haven’t been viewed at positively, they’re actually the two best finishes in Ryan’s career as a defensive coordinator after stops in Oakland and Cleveland.

Through the early portion of the season, the Cowboys were among the leaders in total defense and passing defense, but they started sliding as injuries piled up.

They finished 19th in the league in passing defense and 22nd in the lead in rushing defense, culminating in a 200-yard rushing performance by Alfred Morris in the season finale.

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