The Cowboys have given both offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli contract, per reports today. Both coaches were entering the final year on their existing deals.
The news broke just a short time ago through Cowboys writer Clarence Hill:
The Cowboys have signed offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to contract extensions, per sources. https://t.co/kznUsBb58i
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 28, 2017
Per the report, Scott Linehan is now signed through the 2019 season. There has yet to be an official end date for Rod Marinelli’s contract, though it is likely the same. In 2015, following a strong 12-4 season and return to the playoffs, the Cowboys gave Linehan and Marinelli matching three-year extensions.
Last year was similar; 13 wins, division title, but also an early playoff exit. Dallas is clearly hoping that continuity on both side of the ball will help their young team develop and take the next step towards a long-awaited sixth Super Bowl championship.
Linehan, who turns 54 this September, has been with the Cowboys for three seasons. He helped Tony Romo put together an MVP-worthy season in 2014. He also helped Dak Prescott give one of the strongest rookie quarterback performances in NFL history.
Marinelli will turn 68 in July but hasn’t slowed down a bit. In four seasons with the Cowboys he has had to deal with numerous injuries and other disappointments throughout the defense but has kept the team in contention. Many felt that last year’s defense overachieved in spite of a lack of general talent.
This is greatness.
Continuity is such an underrated aspect of an NFL Organization. I really appreciate them doing what they can to keep the coaching staff together. Especially on offense. Keeping the offense and its terminology the same is such a huge thing when attempting to develop a quarterback and this will only help.
I’d always hoped that Linehan and Marinelli would realize that they are best suited as coordinators, much like Wade Phillips.
Now let’s just hope that the draft is able to bring Marinelli some playmakers. If they can start creating turnovers and finishing sacks, they will be ready to take the next step as a defense and a team.