Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr said he was caught off guard by the firing of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, but that the players and coaches are both accountable.
"I'm not into pointing fingers," Carr said Tuesday night in an in-studio interview with WFAA Channel 8."I go out there and try to do the job to my best ability. I believe our coaching staff put us in positions to make plays. Some of that lies on us being accountable for our own actions and not getting the job done on Sundays. Of course, some of that goes back on coaches. It's a 50-50 split."That decision [to fire Ryan] was made from higher up. As a player, you have to roll with the punches."The news surprised other Cowboys players.Defensive end Jason Hatcher posted to his Twitter account, "It was a privilege to play under Coach Rob Ryan! One of the greatest. Sad day. I'm hurting right now."Cornerback Sterling Moore posted after the news broke, "Not Happy Right Now!"In the WFAA interview, Carr acknowledged the many Cowboys injuries this season."It played a big part in our season, but our philosophy was next man up," Carr said. "Coach Ryan emphasized it and hung his hat on the ability that his game plan could put pretty much anybody into the game. ... We made do with the pieces we had."Carlos Mendez 817-390-7760Twitter: @calexmendez
Who's next?
Possible candidates to replace Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan:
Ray Horton: Former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator is experienced in both the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. The Cowboys wanted to interview him for the job two years ago.
Romeo Crennel: If the Cowboys stay with the 3-4, there is no better choice than Crennel, the recently fired Kansas City head coach.
Lovie Smith: Former Chicago Bears head coach is the best 4-3 expert on the market if the Cowboys decide to move from the 3-4. He is a native of Big Sandy and would love to come back to Texas if he doesn't get another head coaching gig.
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