Report: Dallas Cowboys hire J.J. Clark as defensive assistant coach

New Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer‘s staff continues to grow. On Monday, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that the Cowboys are expected to hire UTEP defensive coordinator JJ Clark as a defensive assistant.

Clark only spent one season as UTEP’s defensive coordinator. In the 2024 campaign, UTEP allowed 402.5 total yards per game, ranking No. 99 in the country.

UTEP finished the season with a 3-9 overall record and a 3-5 mark in conference play. UTEP head coach Scotty Walden spoke highly of Clark when announcing the hire ahead of the 2024 season.

“J.J. is one of the best defensive minds in the nation. He comes from a family of coaches and has an amazing track record as a defensive coordinator,” Walden said. “He is a great teacher and inspires his players to play above themselves daily. He will have an attack style and multiple defense that will be fun for Miner fans to watch.”

Now, JJ Clark will look to bring some excitement to Dallas as Brian Schottenheimer prepares for his first season at the helm of the Cowboys. Along with UTEP, Clark has coaching experience at Austin Peay, Indiana Wesleyan and Wheaton College.

Brian Schottenheimer ushers in new Cowboys era

Brian Schottenheimer will replace Mike McCarthy, who was the Cowboys’ head coach from 2020-24. The Cowboys officially parted ways with McCarthy on Jan. 13, after he failed to lead the team to the playoffs. During McCarthy’s four years at the helm of the organization, the Cowboys posted a 49-35 record and a 1-3 mark in the postseason.

The Cowboys initially hired Schottenheimer as a consultant in 2022. However, he was promoted to offensive coordinator on Feb. 4, 2023. Now, Schottenheimer will take the final step on the staff ladder and have a chance to lead the Cowboys.

The Cowboys averaged 328.4 yards per game this past season under Schottenheimer’s guidance. While the figure still ranked in the top half of the league, the Cowboys were at a disadvantage, with key offensive players like QB Dak Prescott and wide receiver Brandin Cooks missing large chunks of the season due to injury.

A more telling representation of Schottenheimer’s success as offensive coordinator was the Cowboys’ 2023 campaign when they averaged 371.6 yards per game, the fifth-most in the NFL. Now, Schottenheimer will have a chance to build on the promising flashes he’s shown.