Cowboys

Offense

One of the more famous position coaches in NFL history, Houck has been coaching someone’s offensive line since 1982. He was first with the Cowboys from 1993-2001, and returned in 2008. Although his retirement is bad news for Dallas, Callahan is generally considered one of the best line coaches in the league, and is an ideal replacement. He’s also taking on the title of offensive coordinator, though Jason Garrett will continue to call plays.

“I think that’s something that will evolve,” Garrett said. "(Our) starting point will be pretty much how it’s been in the past ... but I have a tremendous amount of confidence in (Callahan). His role will be significant, and we’ll just see how the role evolves.” The Cowboys ranked 11th in yards gained and 15th in points per game in 2011, but could benefit from having Garrett focus more on his head-coaching duties in his third year on the job. Callahan has extensive experience as a play-caller.

Rumors surfaced of Holmgren’s interest over the weekend, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated he was “flattered” to hear of them, even if he isn’t interested. “I don’t know how any of that stuff gets started,” Holmgren said. “The last time I talked to anybody about my future was in this (Browns) room. I honestly don’t know what I want to do.” Holmgren has repeatedly flamed out as a personnel shot-caller, but he’s always been a successful head coach.

Garrett has been calling plays in Dallas since being named offensive coordinator in 2007 all the way through 2012 as head coach. Callahan, the Cowboys’ OC and offensive line coach, will now handle the role while Garrett simply focuses on being a head coach. Jerry Jones seemed intent on stripping Garrett of the duties, so he finally did so. The Cowboys were No. 6 in total offense in 2012. This move will just make it easier for Jones to fire Garrett in-season if he so chooses. Hue Jackson and Mike Tice were also mentioned as potential candidates for the job.

The role in which Jackson would slide into is uncertain, but preliminary talks were focused on the offensive coordinator position. Bill Callahan fills that role and was just promoted to offensive play-caller on Tuesday. Jackson’s contract in Cincinnati was a one-year deal, so he’s technically a coaching free agent.

New DC Monte Kiffin and offensive play-caller Bill Callahan both spent years working under Gruden, while Garrett’s brother/TEs coach John departed for the Bucs. New DL coach Rod Marinelli and ST coordinator Rich Bisaccia have also worked for Gruden. However, if Jones is planning a “Chucky” takeover, he won’t do so until 2014. Now on the wrong side of 70, Jones will be certain to pursue big names to replace Garrett if the Cowboys tank again in 2013.

It’s unusual to go from plum SEC job to position coach, but Dooley must have preferred returning to the NFL over coordinating a college offense. Dooley worked alongside Jason Garrett in 2005-06 with the Dolphins, coaching tight ends. Although Dooley’s tenure as Vols coach was a spectacular failure, he proved adept at developing wideouts.

The seat can go from lukewarm to sizzling in light speed in Big D, but owner Jerry Jones has always been extremely fond of Garrett. Unless the Cowboys absolutely face-plant the next two weeks — which can’t be completely ruled out — Garrett should be back for his third full season in 2013.

Jackson is an assistant head coach for the Bengals and was linked as a possible Panthers OC candidate before losing out to Mike Shula. Caldwell is currently calling plays for the Ravens, and Tice was recently let go after coordinating the Bears offense for one season in 2012. In-house candidates are QBs coach Wade Wilson and OL coach/OC Bill Callahan. Jason Garrett has been reluctant to give up his play-calling duties, but Jerry Jones seems intent on finding a solution.

Dallas had been linked as a potential landing spot for Norv Turner to land on his feet as offensive coordinator, but Garrett says it’s in the best interests of Tony Romo to keep the system the same and not make a change. Romo enjoyed a fine year in 2012 while setting career-highs in completions (425), attempts (648), and yards (4,903), but he was sacked a career-worst 36 times and tied his worst single-season mark with the 19 interceptions.