The Cowboys’ hiring of Monte Kiffin as their next defensive coordinator seems all but official, and now one of owner Jerry Jones’ closest confidantes is describing it as if it’s a done deal.
Former Cowboys scouting director Larry Lacewell told Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com the move was right up there with Jones’ best personnel move.
“Frankly, I think it’s the best hire the Cowboys have ever made,” Lacewell said. “Well, other than Jimmy [Johnson].”
Lacewell, who consults with Jones often, admitted he had a “man crush” on the 72-year-old assistant coach, and seemed to put far more stock in Kiffin’s work as the Buccaneers defensive coordinator than more recent results on his son Lane’s staff at Southern Cal.
“To fall into Monte Kiffin is just a gift,” said Lacewell. “To pull this off is just a coup. Whoever thought of this was real smart.”
The next set of questions will revolve around how Cowboys personnel would transition to the Tampa-2 style. If healthy, nose tackle Jay Ratliff would seem to be a nice part to begin building with in particular, as he’s better suited to penetrate and rush the passer than simply tie up blockers in a 3-4.