The Cowboys’ offense has been anemic all season long, and the unit ranks 26th in the league in points per game (19.3) and 27th in yards per game (317.1). Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was “thoroughly evaluated” at the end of the 2017 campaign, and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reiterated today that head coach Jason Garrett strongly considered moving on from Linehan at that time (video link).
And while Garrett elected to keep Linehan on board and went along with Linehan’s overhaul of the wide receivers room, Rapoport says Garrett again considered firing Linehan during the team’s bye week at the end of October. Indeed, Rapoport said that he thought Linehan was going to be shown the door, but Dallas reversed course and elected to fire offensive line coach Paul Alexander instead. But unless the 3-5 Cowboys are able to make a surge in the second half of the season, the entire coaching staff could be on its way out.
Indeed, Rapoport confirmed today that the Cowboys are not planning to fire Garrett before the end of the season, which we heard earlier this week. But his job security is tenuous at best, and if owner Jerry Jones ultimately decides to ax Garrett, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley is one name to keep an eye on. The Jones family is fond of Riley, who has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Browns’ head coaching job, so if Cleveland wants to reunite Baker Mayfield with his collegiate coach, it may have to battle Dallas, and perhaps other clubs, for the privilege.
In the interview with Rapoport linked above, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network briefly mentioned the possibility that Garrett could take control of offensive play-calling duties in an effort to save the Cowboys’ season and his job, but there does not appear to be anything concrete on that front at the moment.
Read Troy Aikman’s comments on the team. He nailed it this week.
I read it too… I got the impression he was also throwing Jerry under that bus too (cleaning house – as in having him stay out of GM stuff).
Still don’t think Lincoln leaves Norman.
“Linehan was going to be shown the door, but Dallas reversed course and elected to fire offensive line coach Paul Alexander instead”? Did Jerrah flip a coin? How do you decide to fire one Coach, then fire a completely different Coach? Fire everyone keep Garrett and watch Dallas go 8-8/7-9 next year too. Please, Please fire Linehan, and let Garrett take over play calling. I’m sure he can turn this thing right around, I mean he’s so scary talented. And if nothing else holding a clipboard may prevent him from clapping every time the team gains 5 yards. Jerrah for NFL Executive of the Year!
There is no need to do any coin flipping in those situations. An OL coach is generally paid less and is more expendable than an OC so he is the guy that has to fall on his sword.
And get the same play calling, genius idea
Another reason the Cowboys fail every year
Why has no one commented on Dak’s coach? What’s his coach doing about his problems? He, Linehan and Garrett all need to go! Now!
Why has Moore been left out of the conversation? He is part of the reason Dan has been so bad! Moore, Linehan and Garrett all need to go!
Agree. Dan has been been bad this season.