Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator history
Mike Zimmer
Zimmer is the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys since the 2000 season, a total of eight years. Zimmer's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 55-71-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2003, 2006) and had a 0-2 record under Coach Zimmer in playoff games.
Dan Quinn
Quinn was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021-2023 seasons, a total of three years. Quinn's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 36-15-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2021-2023) and had a 1-3 record under Coach Quinn in playoff games.
Mike Nolan
Nolan was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 season. Nolan's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 6-10-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history.
Rod Marinelli
Marinelli was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014-2019 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2014, 2016, 2018) and had a 2-3 record under Coach Marinelli in playoff games.
Monte Kiffin
Kiffin was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2013 season. Kiffin's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 8-8-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history.
Rob Ryan
Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011-2012 seasons, a total of two years. Ryan's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 16-16-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history.
Brian Stewart
Stewart was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2007-2008 seasons, a total of two years. Stewart's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 22-10-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2007) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Stewart in playoff games.
Dave Campo
Campo was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1995-1999 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1995-1996, 1998-1999) and had a 4-3 record under Coach Campo in playoff games. In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Barry Switzer, won 27-17.
Butch Davis
Davis was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1993-1994 seasons, a total of two years. Davis' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 24-8-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1993-1994) and had a 4-1 record under Coach Davis in playoff games. In 1993, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Jimmy Johnson, won 30-13.
Dave Wannstedt
Wannstedt was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989-1992 seasons, a total of four years. Wannstedt's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 32-32-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1991-1992) and had a 4-1 record under Coach Wannstedt in playoff games. In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Jimmy Johnson, won 52-17.
Ernie Stautner
Stautner was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1973-1988 seasons, a total of sixteen years. The team made it to the playoffs eleven times (1973, 1975-1983, 1985) and had a 13-10 record under Coach Stautner in playoff games. In 1975, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Tom Landry, lost 17-21. In 1977, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Tom Landry, won 27-10. In 1978, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII and the Cowboys, under the direction of head coach Tom Landry, lost 31-35.
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Zimmer | 2000-2006, 2024 | 55-71-0 | 43.7% | 0-2 |
| Dan Quinn | 2021-2023 | 36-15-0 | 70.6% | 1-3 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator facts
- Ernie Stautner was the first defensive coordinator in Cowboys history in 1973.
- Ernie Stautner coached the most seasons as the Cowboys's defensive coordinator at sixteen seasons.
- Mike Zimmer is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2000 season.