Cowboys finalize Brian Baker to lead D-line

[sbk92]

By Calvin Watkins


The Dallas Cowboys have finalized the hiring of Brian Baker as their defensive line coach. He reported to work on Tuesday.

Baker coached the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers but when his contract wasn't renewed with the firing of John Fox, he looked for a new gig.

He signed a contract to coach at North Carolina, but the Cowboys wanted him and offered him a deal to return to the NFL. Baker told reporters the Cowboys' offer was hard to turn down.

Baker wanted to wait until after national signing day before finalizing any deal which he finally did on Tuesday.

The Cowboys have yet to fill the entire staff. They need to hire a wide receivers coach to replace Ray Sherman, who didn't receive a new contract.

There is another possibility the Cowboys might hire another coach.

Baker takes over a unit that has Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff and three defensive ends who are free agents in Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher.

 

[sbk92]

So now we know it's official.

I have two questions with this.

1) Why didn't Fox want him in Denver? Or maybe he did and I missed it.

2) Why didn't Fat Rob bring over Cox? Seems odd to pick a guy you don't know and has no experience with your scheme when you supposedly loved your staff in Cleveland and they were all available.

 

[sbk92]

Baker “Couldn’t Refuse” Cowboys’ Offer

Posted by rphillips at 2/10/2011 10:09 AM CST on truebluefanclub.com


Brian Baker hasn’t yet met with reporters – the Cowboys’ staff isn’t expected to be available until after it’s finalized – but the new defensive line coach made these statements released by his previous stop, the University of North Carolina:

"After accepting the UNC job (Jan. 6), I turned down other offers to return to the NFL,” Baker said. “While this was a difficult decision for me and my family, the Dallas Cowboys provided an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

“I have so much respect for Coach (Butch) Davis, and this is a similar career path he took as he moved through the ranks to become a college head coach, which is still one of my goals. I feel for the young men I leave behind and wish them all the best. I know Coach Davis will find an outstanding replacement.”

The bulk of Bakers’ coaching resume is in the NFL. He’ll be entering his 16th season with his sixth team.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Wait, the Cowboys might hire a WRs coach?