Cowboys Notes: Scott Linehan, Coaching Staff, Sean Lee, Offseason

Scott Linehan

Scott Linehan released the following statement regarding the news that he will not be returning as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2019.

“As Jason expressed, we met on Wednesday and had a good, direct talk,” Linehan said. “At the end, we resolved that a fresh start was probably best for both of us.

Coaching Staff

• Calvin Watkins reports that the Cowboys plan to keep QBs coach Kellen Moore, despite firing OC Scott Linehan on Friday.
• One reports says that the Cowboys are expected to consider Doug Nussmeier and James Coley for their offensive coordinator vacancy. (NFLTR)

Sean Lee

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said during an interview with 105.3 The Fan that there is “no one we would love to have back more” than veteran LB Sean Lee.

“What a special player he is being the wily veteran he is, he probably played the best in that [Rams] game,” Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. “He had about 24 plays and I would say he played better, probably played the position better than anybody in that particular game. We want him back. I think he’s a leader on this football team.”

Offseason

• While not surprising, Todd Archer writes that retaining DE Demarcus Lawrence should be at the top of the Cowboys’ offseason priorities list. Archer mentions that Dallas could franchise Lawrence again in 2019, but that could lead to him sitting out of the offseason program and training camp. Signing him to a long-term deal would likely cost $20 million per year.
• The No. 2 priority, according to Archer, should be for the Cowboys to sign WR Amari Cooper to an extension. Archer believes the $16 million per year Dallas offered to Sammy Watkins before he signed with the Chiefs should be the starting point for Cooper’s next contract.
• From there, Archer has QB Dak Prescott No. 3, RB Ezekiel Elliott No. 4 and CB Byron Jones No. 5 in terms of offseason priorities.