(Editor’s Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in ‘Mailbag’ presented by Miller Lite.)

Dan Quinn tried to take Al Harris with him to the Commanders, but the Cowboys gave him the new title of assistant head coach. Since they seem to value Harris, is he going to get a shot at being the defensive coordinator, if not the head coach? – Lane Posey/Gulfport, MS

Tommy: I think Al Harris is absolutely in consideration to get a shot at defensive coordinator. It’s clear that he has the respect of his players as well as the coaching staff, as Mike McCarthy made a point to have him on the staff after Harris spent a majority of his playing days with on the Packers, five seasons of which were spent alongside McCarthy.

Having the respect of your peers and players is one thing, but the Cowboys have seen considerable improvement in the secondary as well under Harris’ watch. They’ve generated 46 interceptions over the last three seasons and have seen DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs be named to Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams with Harris’ assistance. He’s a huge piece of the Cowboys’ defensive success and this organization should do everything they can to make sure he sticks around.

Nick: At this point, it doesn’t appear as if Al Harris has been considered for the head coaching job. And that really is the first domino that must fall before looking at coordinators. Harris was the assistant head coach last year and worked with Mike Zimmer on the defensive side. I get the feeling there will probably be a new face as the DC this year, depending on the new coach, of course.

There has been a lot of talk of coaches staying on as either head coach or bringing back former OC’s to run the team. But at some point this team needs some new faces. This wasn’t a great team last year and changes must be made across the board. I think a new defensive coach makes sense and to be honest, I’d be looking at someone with some 3-4 experience because I think Parsons would excel in that scheme.

Mickey: Not sure about a chance to be head coach, but the DC would seem to be a possibility. They do value his ability to coach and would seem a natural progression. But would have to see who they indeed hire as the next head coach, and that guy needs to have input on his staff.

Also be interesting to see if there are other head coaches getting jobs that might value Al as the defensive coordinator. And then there is the possibility if Mike McCarthy is hired as one of these team’s next head coach, if he would want to bring Al along. Think he’s done a really good job with a group that was pretty tore up the majority of the season.