Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys have signed offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to contract extensions.
The Cowboys will return nearly their entire coaching staff in 2017, which is actually pretty amazing given that teams coming off of successful seasons are generally targeting for other jobs.
Marinelli, 67, began his NFL coaching career with the Buccaneers back in 1996 as their defensive line coach. He spent 10 years in Tampa Bay before he was hired as the Lions head coach in 2006.
Unfortunately, Marinelli was fired after three seasons and he later agreed to become the Bears’ assistant head coach the following year. Marinelli has been with the Cowboys since 2013.
In 2016, the Cowboys ranked No. 14 in yards allowed, No. 1 in rushing yards allowed, No. 26 in passing yards allowed and No. 5 in total points allowed.
Linehan, 53, began his NFL coaching career with the Vikings back in 2002 as their offensive coordinator. He spent three years in Minnesota before bouncing around a bit with the Dolphins and Rams and eventually being hired as the Lions offensive coordinator after three years as the Rams’ head coach.
The Cowboys eventually hired him as their passing game coordinator and promoted him to offensive coordinator a year later.
In 2016, the Cowboys’ offense ranked No. 5 in total yards, No. 2 in rushing yards, No. 23 in passing yards and No. 3 in points scored.
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