Defense has been a turnover
Jason Garrett was hired as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator in 2007. Since then, the Cowboys have had five defensive coordinators:| Def. coordinator | Year |
| Brian Stewart | 2007 |
| The Cowboys ranked ninth overall and forced 29 turnovers. | |
| Brian Stewart | 7 games in 2008 |
| Phillips demoted Stewart after the previously 1-4 St. Louis Rams beat the Cowboys 34-14 and Steven Jackson rushed for 160 yards and three TDs. | |
| Wade Phillips | 9 games in 2008 |
| The Cowboys allowed an average of 21.1 points per game in their final nine games, including the 44 the Eagles scored in the season finale to eliminate Dallas. | |
| Wade Phillips | 2009 |
| The Cowboys ranked ninth overall and allowed an average of 15.6 points per game. | |
| Wade Phillips | 8 games in 2010 |
| Phillips was fired as head coach and defensive coordinator after a 1-7 start. | |
| Paul Pasqualoni | 8 games in 2010 |
| The Cowboys finished 5-3, but the Cowboys gave up the most yards in team history (5,628). | |
| Rob Ryan | 2011 |
| The Cowboys gave up the second-most passing yards in team history (3,906). | |
| Rob Ryan | 2012 |
| The Cowboys lost five starters and two key reserves as they allowed the most yards in team history (5,687). | |
| Monte Kiffin | 2013 |
| The Cowboys are hoping he can do what he did in Tampa, where his defenses ranked in the top 10 in total defense 11 times in 13 years. | |




