Former San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Nick Now Named New Dallas Cowboys Special Teams Coach
DALLAS, TX – In a surprising move that has sent waves through the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have announced that former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick (last name omitted for privacy) has been appointed as their new special teams coach. The decision to bring in a coach known primarily for his work with defense to lead special teams has raised eyebrows, but the Cowboys believe Nick’s unique experience and leadership style will benefit the team in more ways than one.
Nick, who spent several years with the 49ers, first as a defensive assistant and later as the team’s defensive coordinator, gained widespread recognition for his ability to build aggressive and disciplined defenses. The 49ers defense was one of the most formidable in the NFL during his tenure, but the transition to a special teams coaching role is a bold and unexpected one. It represents not just a change of scenery for Nick, but also a potential shift in the way the Cowboys view the development of their special teams unit.
The Surprising Career Transition
Nick’s rise to prominence in the NFL has been largely centered around his work with defenses. After serving as a defensive assistant for several seasons, he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2023. Under his leadership, the 49ers’ defense became one of the league’s top units, excelling in every facet of the game, from pass rushing to run defense and secondary coverage. His ability to craft complex defensive schemes and get the most out of his players was a big reason why the 49ers reached the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Despite his success on the defensive side of the ball, Nick had long expressed interest in taking on new challenges within the game of football. Known for his football IQ and keen eye for detail, Nick had often discussed the strategic importance of special teams. While his expertise lies in defense, he has always acknowledged that the success of a team can often hinge on special teams play, whether it’s a game-winning field goal, a timely punt return, or a critical kickoff coverage play. This philosophy of understanding the game from all angles, combined with his leadership style, made Nick an intriguing candidate for a special teams coach position.
“I’ve always felt that the game of football is about all three phases coming together,” Nick said in a statement after the announcement. “Special teams is often overlooked, but it can be the difference between winning and losing a game. I’m excited to bring my experience and my approach to this team and make sure we’re getting everything we can out of our special teams unit.”
While most would expect someone with an offensive or special teams background to take the helm of a special teams unit, the Cowboys’ management saw something in Nick that made him the right fit for the job. His leadership skills, ability to develop players, and strong grasp of football strategy made him a candidate worth pursuing.
“I’ve been impressed by Nick’s leadership throughout his career,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “He’s built some of the toughest defenses in the league, and I believe his experience and his mindset will translate well to special teams. This is an area where we can improve, and Nick is the kind of coach who can help us do that.”
The Cowboys’ Special Teams Struggles
Special teams are often an overlooked aspect of a team’s performance, but they play a crucial role in setting up favorable field positions, scoring points, and preventing big plays. For the Cowboys, special teams had been a weak point in recent years. While they have a talented roster on both offense and defense, their special teams play had often been inconsistent, leading to critical missed opportunities and costly mistakes.
In 2024, the Cowboys’ special teams unit struggled with kickoff returns, punt coverage, and field goal accuracy. Special teams coordinator John Fassel, who had been with the Cowboys since 2020, was let go after the team’s disappointing performance in the postseason. Despite the Cowboys having one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, their inability to consistently execute in special teams situations ultimately led to their early playoff exit.
“I’m confident that Nick can bring the discipline and intensity that we need to elevate our special teams play,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “Special teams are such an important part of the game, and we believe Nick’s leadership will help us in that regard. We’re excited to see how his approach will impact the unit moving forward.”
The need for a coaching change in special teams was clear, and the Cowboys’ decision to hire someone with a defensive background reflects their belief that special teams need to be more than just a supporting role. They need to be a force that can swing the momentum of a game and put the team in position to win. Nick’s experience in building disciplined, aggressive units on defense makes him an intriguing choice to tackle this challenge.
Nick’s Approach to Special Teams
As someone who has built one of the league’s most respected defenses, Nick’s approach to coaching special teams will likely reflect his emphasis on discipline, preparation, and situational awareness. Though his primary focus in the NFL has been on defense, Nick has always been a student of the game in its entirety. He has spent significant time studying all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—and recognizes the impact that special teams can have on the outcome of a game.
“I’m a big believer in the idea that special teams is a reflection of a team’s overall discipline,” Nick explained. “You can’t win games by making mistakes on special teams. We’re going to focus on consistency, execution, and making sure we’re ready to capitalize on every opportunity.”
Nick has long been known for his detail-oriented approach to coaching, and this is expected to carry over into his work with the Cowboys’ special teams. His goal will be to improve key areas such as field goal coverage, punt returns, and kickoffs, while also working to develop players who can thrive in special teams situations.
“We’re going to put an emphasis on fundamentals and making sure we’re prepared for any scenario,” Nick said. “Whether it’s a game-winning field goal or a key punt return, we’re going to make sure we’re ready. It’s all about making the most of every moment.”
While Nick’s defensive expertise will remain valuable in his new role, it’s his ability to lead and motivate players that could be a key factor in his success with the special teams unit. Nick has a reputation for being a strong communicator and a coach who can get the most out of his players. That ability will be critical as he works to elevate the Cowboys’ special teams to a higher level.
The Impact on the Cowboys’ Roster
Nick’s hiring will have a ripple effect throughout the Cowboys’ roster. Special teams coaches are often tasked with identifying players who may not be stars on offense or defense but who can make an impact in other areas. Nick will likely work closely with the Cowboys’ coaching staff to identify players who have the skills and mentality to thrive in special teams roles.
Some of the players who could benefit from Nick’s tutelage include rookie prospects, such as wide receiver Jalen Tolbert and cornerback Kelvin Joseph, who may have opportunities to carve out significant roles on special teams. The Cowboys also have veteran players who have excelled on special teams in the past, such as safety Jayron Kearse and linebacker Luke Gifford, who may be key contributors under Nick’s leadership.
“I’m excited to see how Nick’s approach will impact us,” said Kearse, a special teams standout for the Cowboys in recent years. “He’s a great coach, and I think his mentality and mindset will help us all get better. Special teams can make or break a season, and we’re looking forward to working with him to take our game to the next level.”
With Nick at the helm of special teams, the Cowboys are expecting a renewed focus on consistency, discipline, and execution. His approach to coaching is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the unit, and his leadership could turn special teams into one of the team’s strengths rather than a weak spot.
Looking Ahead: High Expectations for Special Teams
As the Dallas Cowboys look to make a deeper playoff run in 2025, the performance of their special teams will be under the microscope. With Nick now leading the charge, the Cowboys have made it clear that they are committed to improving in this crucial area of the game. While the offense and defense will remain the focal points of the team’s efforts, special teams could be the X-factor that makes the difference between success and failure.
Nick’s hiring represents a new chapter for the Cowboys and signals their commitment to building a complete and well-rounded team. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Nick transforms the special teams unit and whether his disciplined approach to coaching will help the Cowboys achieve their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship.
For now, the Cowboys are hoping that Nick’s leadership will help take their special teams play to new heights. With a new coach at the helm and a fresh perspective on special teams, the Cowboys are ready to prove that they are more than just a talented roster—they are a team that can win in all three phases of the game.
