MOBILE, Ala. -- Monte Kiffin said he did "tough interviews" on all of the Cowboys' defensive coaches before setting his staff, although he did not make the final choices, he said.
"They're darn good coaches," Kiffin said. "I interviewed every one of them. Of course, I didn't make the final decisions."Without going through all the names, Kiffin confirmed Tuesday at the Senior Bowl that the changes are complete. Linebackers coach Matt Eberflus, secondary coach Jerome Henderson and assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett are set to return, along with the addition of defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.Speaking at the Senior Bowl practices, Kiffin said he did not know yet what players will fit what roles in the Cowboys' new 4-3 defense."We have to see the personnel and see how it fits," he said. "You don't want to rush in. We've not even had time to meet. The main thing is to hire good coaches."Kiffin said he tried to conduct tough interviews with the staff."They were fairly tough interviews," he said. "Of course, they've got to be. Everybody's going to give you good recommendations."Kiffin was a popular man at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Passers-by expressed congratulations and well-wishes upon his return to the NFL.Kiffin said he's glad to be back and that thoughts of retirement are far away."I just love it. I love coaching," he said. "It's like we always tell the players -- the first rule for getting better is show up. We've got good players. But we've got to try to improve everywhere we can."Robinson's futureJerry Jones declined to talk about the future of receivers coach Jimmy Robinson, who might not be back on staff next year."It has more to do with Jimmy and his career and where he is in his career at this time," Jones said. "Jimmy Robinson is one of the finest receivers coaches and brings a lot to the table regarding ideas. If he's not involved, it's not because of his skills. It's more because of his own personal interest."It is possible that Robinson wants a new career direction or is considering retirement.Asked about Robinson and kicking coach Chris Boniol, head coach Jason Garrett declined comment."We'll talk about that," he said.Happy for PaytonJerry Jones said he was happy for "good friend" Sean Payton upon his reinstatement by the NFL.Jones said it also means good news for himself."It's going to be wonderful to land in New Orleans and not have everybody that I think so much of -- all those fans in New Orleans that are also at times Cowboys fans -- I'm excited to not have them say to me, 'Are you here to get our coach?'"BrieflyJerry Jones said the Cowboys won't make a decision on Josh Brent's future until his legal case is resolved.Jones declined to comment on Houston Nutt's visit to Valley Ranch last week except to say his knowledge "of how to win" could help any team.Carlos Mendez 817-390-7760Twitter: @calexmendez
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