During his time with Dallas, Fassel helped uncover a couple of special teams superstars. He was the one who discovered kick returner KaVontae Turpin and kicker Brandon Aubrey.

Both have become two-time Pro Bowlers and are in the conversation about being the best at their respective positions, reported Sports Illustrated, si.com.

Mike McCarthy’s ability to generate top-notch assistants was a key part of the Cowboys’ success in recent seasons.

Now, with Fassel’s departure, it highlights how McCarthy’s coaching staff was a great strength, and replacing these crucial pieces will be a challenge for the Cowboys going forward.

The importance of Brandon Aubrey in Cowboys

Aubrey, 29, has become especially important after making a good 40 of 47 field goals. This is significant as only five kickers in NFL history have made at least 40 field goals in a single season.

In two seasons as a professional, the Notre Dame graduate and former Toronto FC II player in the USL, has a 89.4% field goal percentage with 76 of 85 attempts; in 2024 he connected on 40 of 47, and in 2023 he made 36 of 38 attempts.

His longest field goal was the previous season from 65 yards, the second best in history and one yard short of Justin Tucker’s record (2021), and in extra points this season he went a perfect 30 of 30, while in his rookie year he made 49 of 52 attempts.

That’s why Fassel felt a connection with Aubrey and called him before accepting his new job. He also told Aubrey that he wanted to make a change for him.

Aubrey said he didn’t know if that move was real, but it would be hard to blame Fassel for wanting to bring him along.