IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys hired Jaguars assistant Joe DeCamillis to coach their special teams.

The Cowboys announced the hire Wednesday on the team Web site.

DeCamillis spent the past two seasons as the special teams coach in Jacksonville and held the same job with the New York Giants from 1993-96 and the Atlanta Falcons from 1997-2006.

DeCamillis, who worked with Dallas coach Wade Phillips in Denver and Atlanta, is the son-in-law of former Cowboys player and NFL coach Dan Reeves. DeCamillis replaces Bruce Read, who was fired last week.

The Cowboys special teams unit made several costly mistakes this past season, including a blocked punt in overtime at Arizona that resulted in a game-winning Cardinals touchdown. The Cowboys also finished last in the NFC in average punt return yardage.