News: Filling The Void? – Coach Greg Jackson

[CCBoy]

Filling The Void? – Coach Greg Jackson
Posted on July 1, 2016 by Jeremy Bielenberg
http://cowboyszone.com/2016/07/filling-the-void-coach-greg-jackson.html



http://cowboyszone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2016/06/Greg-Jackson-300x273.png

The Dallas Cowboys re-signed the triumvirate of Jason Garrett, Scott Linehan and Rod Marinelli to contract extensions following the 2014 season. The Cowboys front office was hoping that by keeping the nucleus together the team could build upon the success it had achieved the previous year. So it probably comes as no surprise the Cowboys tried to continue that trend by extending defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson when his contract expired at the end of the 2015 season.

Although a new contract had yet to be finalized, Henderson was expected to remain with the team. He had even told Jerry Jones that he would only consider leaving the Cowboys to pursue an opportunity as a head coach or a defensive coordinator. After interviewing for the Cleveland Browns head coaching vacancy, only to be passed up for Hue Jackson, it certainly looked as if Henderson would remain with the Cowboys. But in the end, he clearly felt he had a better opportunity in Atlanta and ultimately took the job as the Falcons defensive passing game coordinator.

Henderson’s unexpected departure for greener pastures (it’s always greener over there isn’t it?) left the Cowboys with a void that needed to be filled. However, the front office didn’t feel the need to rush into a decision and they took their time while interviewing a wide array of coaches to fill the position, including: Al Golden, Joe Baker, Tim Lewis, Mike Nolan, Gill Byrd and Steve Brown before ultimately deciding to hire Greg Jackson to coach the safeties. He would effectively be sharing defensive back coaching duties with fifth-year assistant Joe Baker...

 

[CCBoy]

Replacing Henderson

The Cowboys had the fifth-best pass defense with Jerome Henderson, but the secondary only combined for five interceptions. Obviously, the defense was without their starting cornerback Orlando Scandrick all season, but there is still room for improvement.

Greg Jackson spent eight years coaching college football before joining the 49ers in 2011 as an assistant defensive backs coach. He coached the secondary for four years in San Francisco, having five defensive backs earn Pro Bowl honors and the defense led the NFL in 2011 and 2014 with 23 interceptions. In 2012, the 49ers had the NFC’s top passing defense and fourth in the NFL. Jackson was a part of San Francisco’s three straight playoff appearances and their Super Bowl XLVII loss to the Baltimore Ravens. When the problems between Trent Baalke and Jim Harbaugh finally reached it’s boiling point, Jackson followed Harbaugh to the University of Michigan. At Michigan, Jackson coached the secondary and only allowed 158.5 passing yards per game, third best in the FBS last year, and led the nation in defensive passing efficiency.

The Cowboys secondary will surely benefit from Jackson’s extensive knowledge of the safety position that includes a 12 year playing career and a 13 year coaching career to date. Even though the transition won’t be flawless, the Cowboys are certainly looking forward to seeing what Jackson brings to the table. And if his past is any indicator, good things could be in store for the both Jackson and the Cowboys secondary.

http://cowboyszone.com/2016/07/filling-the-void-coach-greg-jackson.html

 

[superjoe]

I hope he comes in and can instill some fundamentals and improve this bunch. The talent is there....although you can only ask a secondary to cover for so long, even the best corners can be beat if the offense has 10 seconds to find an open wide receiver in the NFL.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

When we played them and lost in week 2 a couple of years ago, one thing that stood out to me was how well Reid and the rest of the coverage in the middle of the field played. We've sucked at that for a long time and hopefully Jackson can help.

 

[gmoney112]

When we played them and lost in week 2 a couple of years ago, one thing that stood out to me was how well Reid and the rest of the coverage in the middle of the field played. We've sucked at that for a long time and hopefully Jackson can help.

Reid was a beast in that defense.

Jackson is a good coach, it'll be interesting to see what his addition and Eberflus getting more responsibility leads to