Who is the Dallas Cowboys most successful defensive coordinator in franchise history?

[America's Cowboy]

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator record​

Coach	Years	Record	Win percentage	Playoff record
Dan Quinn	2021-2023	26-11-0	70.3%	1-2
Mike Nolan	2020	6-10-0	37.5%	0-0
Rod Marinelli	2014-2019	56-40-0	58.3%	2-3
Monte Kiffin	2013	8-8-0	50.0%	0-0
Rob Ryan	2011-2012	16-16-0	50.0%	0-0
Brian Stewart	2007-2008	22-10-0	68.8%	0-1
Mike Zimmer	2000-2006	49-63-0	43.8%	0-2
Dave Campo	1995-1999	46-34-0	57.5%	4-3
Butch Davis	1993-1994	24-8-0	75.0%	4-1
Dave Wannstedt	1989-1992	32-32-0	50.0%	4-1
Ernie Stautner	1973-1988	152-86-0	63.9%	13-10

https://pro-football-history.com/franchpos/20/8/dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator-history

You make the pick...

 

[noshame]

I'll always be partial to Ernie. But I must say, Quinn took over a hot steamy pile of duty and made magic out of it.

 

[jazzcat22]

The ones that won the SB's.
I mean, that is all that matters from what I seen from some on here.

Really hard to choose just one. As the 90's team won a SB with 3 different DC's.
Ernie had the longest run though, so if I had to choose it would be him.

 

[Irv88]

Ernie and it’s not even close.

Doomsday Defense with several Hall of Famers!

He navigated a successful transition in the 70’s from Doomsday 1 (Bob Lilly group) to Doomsday 2 (Randy White group).

Ernie is a legend with the rings to prove it.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Whatever one bro that can help us bounce back after a brutal beat down lol

 

[lopey]

Ernie. Hands down

 

[Jarv]

Ernie yep.

 

[Davidlee1973]

It was Tom Landry people. He was the defensive and offensive coach for 29 years. He invented the 4-3 defense in New York and then the flex when he came to Dallas. Ernie was a defensive coach yes but Tom Landry had the scheme

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Ernie.

 

[lopey]

It was Tom Landry people. He was the defensive and offensive coach for 29 years. He invented the 4-3 defense in New York and then the flex when he came to Dallas. Ernie was a defensive coach yes but Tom Landry had the scheme

I agree but Ernie ran the defense.

 

[Carson]

I'll always be partial to Ernie. But I must say, Quinn took over a hot steamy pile of duty and made magic out of it.

This is correct.

 

[big dog cowboy]

 

[America's Cowboy]

Awesome picture, @big dog cowboy !!!

What year was that? 1976? 1977? 1978? 1979?

 

[big dog cowboy]

Awesome picture, @big dog cowboy !!!

What year was that? 1976? 1977? 1978? 1979?

1978. Here is one with Gene and Tom.

 

[Gangsta Spanksta]

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator record​

Coach	Years	Record	Win percentage	Playoff record
Dan Quinn	2021-2023	26-11-0	70.3%	1-2
Mike Nolan	2020	6-10-0	37.5%	0-0
Rod Marinelli	2014-2019	56-40-0	58.3%	2-3
Monte Kiffin	2013	8-8-0	50.0%	0-0
Rob Ryan	2011-2012	16-16-0	50.0%	0-0
Brian Stewart	2007-2008	22-10-0	68.8%	0-1
Mike Zimmer	2000-2006	49-63-0	43.8%	0-2
Dave Campo	1995-1999	46-34-0	57.5%	4-3
Butch Davis	1993-1994	24-8-0	75.0%	4-1
Dave Wannstedt	1989-1992	32-32-0	50.0%	4-1
Ernie Stautner	1973-1988	152-86-0	63.9%	13-10

https://pro-football-history.com/franchpos/20/8/dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator-history

You make the pick...

Well it depends on how you measure success, and if you take into consideration the quality of players the coach had at the time. Take Dave Wannstedt for instance. The 1989 Cowboys when he took over were one of the absolute worst. then the talent spiked at the end of his run. We haven't had a defense at that level since.

 

[Swanny]

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator record​

Coach	Years	Record	Win percentage	Playoff record
Dan Quinn	2021-2023	26-11-0	70.3%	1-2
Mike Nolan	2020	6-10-0	37.5%	0-0
Rod Marinelli	2014-2019	56-40-0	58.3%	2-3
Monte Kiffin	2013	8-8-0	50.0%	0-0
Rob Ryan	2011-2012	16-16-0	50.0%	0-0
Brian Stewart	2007-2008	22-10-0	68.8%	0-1
Mike Zimmer	2000-2006	49-63-0	43.8%	0-2
Dave Campo	1995-1999	46-34-0	57.5%	4-3
Butch Davis	1993-1994	24-8-0	75.0%	4-1
Dave Wannstedt	1989-1992	32-32-0	50.0%	4-1
Ernie Stautner	1973-1988	152-86-0	63.9%	13-10

https://pro-football-history.com/franchpos/20/8/dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator-history

You make the pick...

Does Tom Landry count?

 

[America's Cowboy]

Does Tom Landry count?

Absolutely!

 

[nightrain]

Body of work selects Ernie Stautner.

 

[Bagman]

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator record​

Coach	Years	Record	Win percentage	Playoff record
Dan Quinn	2021-2023	26-11-0	70.3%	1-2
Mike Nolan	2020	6-10-0	37.5%	0-0
Rod Marinelli	2014-2019	56-40-0	58.3%	2-3
Monte Kiffin	2013	8-8-0	50.0%	0-0
Rob Ryan	2011-2012	16-16-0	50.0%	0-0
Brian Stewart	2007-2008	22-10-0	68.8%	0-1
Mike Zimmer	2000-2006	49-63-0	43.8%	0-2
Dave Campo	1995-1999	46-34-0	57.5%	4-3
Butch Davis	1993-1994	24-8-0	75.0%	4-1
Dave Wannstedt	1989-1992	32-32-0	50.0%	4-1
Ernie Stautner	1973-1988	152-86-0	63.9%	13-10

https://pro-football-history.com/franchpos/20/8/dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator-history

You make the pick...

Definitely wasn't Mike Nolan.

 

[America's Cowboy]

Definitely wasn't Mike Nolan.