NFL Coaching Carousel: Cowboys Add Ansley, Eagles Shake Up Play-Calling, Giants Continue Staff Overhaul
We’re deep into the NFL offseason, and the coaching dominoes are falling fast. Let’s break down the latest moves across three NFC teams - the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants - each of whom is reshaping their staff in ways that could have real on-field implications come next season.
Cowboys Bring in Derrick Ansley, Continue Defensive Coordinator Search
The Cowboys are making moves on the defensive side of the ball, starting with the addition of Derrick Ansley, the former Packers defensive pass game coordinator. Ansley brings a versatile background - with experience in both the secondary and coordinating pass defense - and adds another sharp mind to Dallas’ evolving defensive brain trust.
But the bigger picture here is the Cowboys’ ongoing search for a new defensive coordinator. Interviews continued with several intriguing candidates: Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin, Eagles assistant linebackers coach Ronell Williams, and USC run game coordinator/defensive line coach Eric Henderson. Each brings a different flavor to the table - Martin’s work with Pittsburgh’s pass rushers has been impressive, Williams is a rising name in linebacker development, and Henderson’s reputation for building dominant fronts at USC makes him a compelling college-to-NFL candidate.
No hire yet, but the Cowboys are clearly casting a wide net as they look to replace Dan Quinn and maintain their defensive edge.
Eagles: Sean Mannion to Call Plays, Stoutland’s Role in Flux
Over in Philadelphia, the Eagles have made a bold move by handing play-calling duties to newly hired offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. It’s a notable decision, especially considering Mannion’s relatively limited coaching resume. But the Eagles are betting on his football IQ and fresh perspective to help recalibrate an offense that lost its rhythm late last season.
Meanwhile, there’s growing buzz around the future of long-time offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. According to insider reports, Stoutland’s responsibilities as run game coordinator were quietly reduced during the 2023 season. Whether that was due to performance or a strategic shift remains unclear, but it’s a significant development for a coach who’s long been considered one of the best in the league at marrying offensive line play with run scheme design.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce, who knows Stoutland as well as anyone, weighed in with strong support: “There’s nobody in that building that understands the run game better than Jeff Stoutland,” Kelce said. “If he was stripped of those responsibilities, obviously, it didn’t work.”
The Eagles haven’t officially announced any changes to Stoutland’s title, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he returns next season focused solely on the offensive line - a role in which he’s thrived for years.
Giants Add to Staff, Lose OL Coach to Titans
The Giants are also in the thick of offseason restructuring. They’re expected to hire former Ravens defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio as their new defensive passing game coordinator and DBs coach. D’Alesio has been part of a strong defensive culture in Baltimore and brings a detail-oriented approach to the secondary - a unit that needs to take a step forward in New York.
Additionally, the Giants are bringing in Ron Shrift, formerly the Ravens’ strength and conditioning coach. It’s another move that speaks to the franchise’s intent to build a more physically resilient team after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
On the flip side, the Giants are losing offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who’s heading to Tennessee to reunite with new Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Bricillo’s departure was expected, and it’s part of a broader migration of Giants staffers following Daboll to Nashville.
Bottom Line
These aren’t just back-office moves - they’re the kind of changes that ripple through a locker room and show up on Sundays. The Cowboys are reshaping their defensive identity, the Eagles are handing the keys to a new play-caller while navigating internal friction, and the Giants are quietly assembling a new-look staff with ties to some of the league’s most respected programs.
We’re still months from kickoff, but the foundation for 2026 is being poured right now.