Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

2dBill Barnwell

Let's project all 14 seeds in next season's NFL playoffs: Why the Bucs and Packers will be back

Tampa Bay and Green Bay have the roster to compete again. Other playoff teams from 2020 aren't so lucky. And could the Jags win the AFC South?

Chiney & Golic Jr: Who Needs A Fresh Start In The NFL?

Chiney and Golic Jr. are joined by former center for the San Diego Chargers Nick Hardwick to discuss Philip Rivers' career before talking which NFL team needs a fresh start.

Foxworth does not want Dak back with the Cowboys next season (2:10)

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

The Cowboys will name Aden Durde as their defensive line coach, according to multiple sources. He was with new coordinator Dan Quinn in Atlanta for three seasons, spending the 2020 season as outside linebackers coach. An England native, Durde spent a year with the Cowboys coaching staff as an intern when Jason Garrett was head coach. He replaces Jim Tomsula, who was let go with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

AP Photo/Ron Jenkins

3dTodd Archer

Cowboys' positives in 2020 included rookies, Dalton Schultz and others

Despite a 6-10 record and numerous struggles on both sides of the ball, Dallas had a few bright spots and promising players emerge.

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth

3dAdam Rittenberg

Michigan turns to Cowboys' Linguist as co-DC

As part of a staff overhaul on defense, Michigan has hired Cowboys defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist to be the Wolverines' co-defensive coordinator.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

The Chicago Bears have requested permission to speak with Cowboys senior defensive assistant George Edwards regarding their defensive coordinator opening, according to a source. Because it is for a coordinator's job, the Cowboys cannot block the request, but the organization wants to keep Edwards, who spoke with Mike McCarthy about the Cowboys' coordinator job before it went to Dan Quinn. Edwards was Minnesota's defensive coordinator from 2014-19.

AP Photo/John Munson

5dJeremy Fowler

NFL overhaul tiers: Which teams will look most different in 2021?

From franchises that will tear it all down to those that just need a few tweaks, here are the offseason priorities for every team no longer playing.

Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

Sources: Cowboys LB Smith set for wrist surgery

Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith is set to undergo left wrist surgery, sources tell ESPN's Todd Archer.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

Linebacker Jaylon Smith will undergo left wrist surgery Thursday, according to multiple sources. Smith did not miss a game in 2020, leading the Cowboys with 161 tackles. He was on the injury report in Week 16 with a wrist injury but was a full practice participant. The sources said Smith should be ready for the beginning of the offseason program.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

Casting a wide net for Doug Pederson's successor, the Philadelphia Eagles have requested an interview with an NFC East rival, Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, for their head coach opening, according to a source. Moore, 32, signed a three-year deal at the end of the 2020 season to remain with the Cowboys, pulling his name from the Boise State vacancy. The Cowboys had 513 yards and 37 points in Week 16 win vs. Eagles.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

9dTodd Archer

Cowboys need to be careful thinking injury returns are a cure-all

Sure, getting Dak Prescott and Tyron Smith back, among others, will elevate Dallas, but there's plenty of work to do elsewhere on the roster in 2021.

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

10dTodd Archer

Why Jerry Jones won't pull a John Elway and step down as Cowboys' GM

The Broncos legend relinquished his GM role recently, which left Dallas fans to ponder if its owner might do the same. Hint: Don't count on it.

Jamie Foxx, Stephen A. take shots at each other's favorite teams (2:27)

10d

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

11dTodd Archer

Dallas Cowboys must give Dan Quinn talent or defense won't improve

Dallas has some players to build around, but not enough for the new coordinator to fix the unit unless he gets more help at every level.

Is Dan Quinn the right DC hire for the Cowboys? (2:18)

10d

Adam Schefter ESPN Senior Writer

Former Falcons' HC Dan Quinn and the Cowboys reach agreement for him to become Dallas' defensive coordinator, per source.

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

11dAdam Schefter and Todd Archer

Cowboys turn to Quinn as defensive coordinator

Former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn has been hired as the Cowboys' next defensive coordinator, replacing Mike Nolan.

Elsa/Getty Images

14dTodd Archer

One year in as Cowboys' coach, Mike McCarthy says 'we have a lot of work to do'

While the Cowboys' 6-10 season was "uniquely challenging," as the coach puts it, it also highlights the many areas that need immediate attention.

Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (1:29)

14d

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth

14dTodd Archer

Cowboys' defensive failures cost Nolan, Tomsula

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula have been let go by the Cowboys after the defense this season allowed the most points in franchise history (473) and were ranked 31st in the league in run defense.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

The Cowboys have released a statement from Mike McCarthy on the firings if Mike Nolan and Jim Tomsula: "I am appreciative of my relationships with both Mike and Jim, and I am grateful for the contributions that both of them made to our team under difficult circumstances in 2020,.These are never easy decisions to make, and we wish them, and their families, the very best in the future."

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

A source confirms Mike Nolan had been fired as Cowboys defensive coordinator. Cowboys allowed the most points franchise history and finished ranked 31st in run defense. It's the first of what could be a couple changes on the defensive side of the ball.