The Dallas Cowboys announced they are hiring Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant shortly after the tough 24-16 Week 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After making changes to the roster, things just haven't clicked defensively, and the club hopes Pettine can help sort things out. On Tuesday, Stephen Jones opened up about Pettine's role with the franchise this season.
While guest appearing on “105.3 The Fan,” Jones claimed he believes the 60-year-old former head coach (Cleveland Browns 2014-2015) will be a big asset for the Cowboys' coaching staff. Jones also made it very clear that Pettine is not a coach and is instead working more as an advisor to assist defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
“We think Coach Pettine can really be a positive for [Brian Schottenheimer], for Christian (Parker),” Jones said. “They both have great experience with him. … I think the thing will evolve… I think Mike Pettine’s role, he'll get in here, he's a seasoned coach who everybody's very comfortable with.
“He's not going to coach a position, so I think that's very helpful in terms of looking at the defense holistically,” Jones continued. “It's always good to get a new set of eyes in here at any point in time just to, if you will, scout you, and say, ‘Hey, here are the things you might, should consider and look at.' The great thing is he does have a great history with both coach Schottenheimer and Christian.”
Article Continues BelowThe Cowboys defense goes into Week 6 ranked No. 31 in offensive yards allowed per game (395.4). They're 21st in passing yards allowed per contest (227.0) and dead last in rushing yards allowed per game (168.4). Dallas is They're also ranked No. 25 in points allowed per game with 27.2
We'll see if hiring Mike Pettine makes an immediate impact in Week 6. The Cowboys are scheduled to take on the Green Bay Packers on the road for a “Sunday Night Football” matchup.