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Cowboys fire first-year DC Mike Nolan, former Saints linebackers coach

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 8, 2021

Woof. There were high hopes for Mike Nolan this time last year, when he received the opportunity for a promotion on a new coaching staff — moving up the ladder from his post as New Orleans Saints linebackers coach to defensive coordinator for Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. But he’s been let go after just one season in which his defense set some historic lows in Dallas.

It’s obviously a disappointment for the Cowboys, and for Nolan. He was well-respected in New Orleans and did a terrific job revitalizing the linebacker corps after a near-decade of mediocrity, coaching up draft prospects like Alex Anzalone and turning then-journeymen like Demario Davis into All-Pros.