Cowboys ax Rob Ryan

After the Dallas Cowboys closed the season with a loss at Washington that knocked them out of the playoffs and left them at 8-8, owner Jerry Jones pledged some deep thought and hinted at significant changes.

A little more than a week later, there is significant change.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been fired. The news was first reported by New York Post Jets beat writer Brian Costello via Twitter.

Ryan did some impressive work with the Cowboys but ultimately the decision must have been made that the defense underperformed. We’ll see what kind of changes the Cowboys have in mind and if they involve scheme. Dallas has personnel to run a 3-4 defense.

Ryan’s departure won’t do anything to shore up the offensive line either. Jones will have to do more thinking on that.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune