FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have begun filling the vacant roles on Dan Quinn’s defensive staff. On Wednesday, it was announced that the club will name Aden Durde as the defensive line coach to replace Jim Tomsula, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
As earlier reported by D210SPORTS during the interview process, Durde served on Quinn’s staff in Atlanta the previous three seasons as the Falcons’ defensive quality control coach (2018-2019) and outside linebackers’ coach (2020). In 2019, Durde oversaw a squad that ranked 10th in the NFL in rush defense, limiting opponents to 103.5 rushing yards over the final eight weeks of the season. In the same timeframe, the Falcons accumulated 21 sacks during the final eight games (tied for 10th).
Durde also has familiarity with the Cowboys. The England native spent time with Dallas under Jason Garrett as an intern in 2014 and accompanied the team to training camp in Oxnard after bringing several international players to workout in Dallas where he made a coaching connection to the organization. Durde has an eye for talent and discovered Efe Obada, bringing him to the NFL. Now he will have the opportunity to develop Trysten Hill, Neville Gallimore, and Bradlee Anae as well as utilize the strengths of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory.
He also served as the head of football development at NFLUK where he helped initiate the International Player Pathway Program. In addition, Durde held the role of defensive coordinator of the London Warriors for six seasons.
Durde has traveled a unique path to get to where he is in his NFL career but is a name that is held with high respect. A source tells D210SPORTS that he is a rising star in the coaching ranks.
