Dallas Cowboys make key coaching hires, including new defensive run game coordinator

Paul Guenther to oversee run defense in a senior role, as former NFL veterans Jeff Zgonina and Greg Ellis coach the defensive linemen.

A veteran assistant has been promoted to a senior position under new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is tasked with resolving the biggest weakness in his defense.

The Dallas Morning News was informed by a person with knowledge of the matter that the Cowboys hired Paul Guenther on Friday to serve as their run game coordinator, on Zimmer’s strong recommendation. Guenther is a valuable addition to the team since he is a seasoned coach that Zimmer has a great deal of faith in.

Between 2008 until 2013, Guenther and Zimmer collaborated in Cincinnati; in 2021, they did it once more in Minnesota. From 2014 to 2017 and from 2018 to 2020, Guenther coordinated defense for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Raiders.

Before finalizing the details of the contract on Monday, Zimmer intended to have Guenther accompany him to Dallas.

Under Mike McCarthy’s leadership, the Cowboys have never named a run game coordinator before. It highlights the significance of the region following a Jan. 14 first-round playoff defeat to the Green Bay Packers, who ran freely against their small front. Aaron Jones, a running back, gained 118 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries.

Providing coaching is a component of issue solving.

The team’s next goal is to add additional size and physicality, especially at linebacker, through personnel. When free agency begins in March, there will be some degree of reinforcement figures.

According to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke with The News, Dallas also appointed Jeff Zgonina as its new defensive line coach. Greg Ellis is anticipated to be confirmed as Zgonina’s assistant. Zgonina performed the same function for the Washington Commanders over the previous two seasons. Aden Durde, who was named defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks last week, is replaced by him.

Ellis’s face is recognizable.

From 1998 to 2008, he was a defensive end for the Cowboys; all but the last two of those seasons coincided with Zimmer’s tenure. Prior to retiring in 2009, Ellis was a player for the Oakland Raiders as well. This is his first opportunity to coach in the NFL. Zgonina participated in the league from 1993 until 2009 as a defensive tackle.

Together, the two men have 29 years and 407 NFL regular season and postseason games of defensive line staff experience.