Jeffcoat's exit follows Pasqualoni's arrival

After 19 years of service with the Dallas Cowboys, assistant coach Jim Jeffcoat was dismissed on Friday, likely paving the way for Paul Pasqualoni, who was hired late Thursday, to become more active in assisting coach Bill Parcells' changes on defense.

Jeffcoat, who had one year remaining on his contract, was drafted in the first round by the Cowboys in 1983 and played for Dallas from 1983-94. He spent the past five seasons coaching the defensive ends, after two years as the team's assistant defensive line coach. He coached three seasons with the Buffalo Bills after his 15-year playing career ended.