Dallas Cowboys could lose top coordinator for next season
The easy observation is that being part of an 0-16 season didn’t make Rod Marinelli think about retirement, but the turmoil in Dallas may just do the trick.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Cowboys are bracing for the loss of their defensive coordinator.
Marinelli had a hip replacement in 2007, and appeared to have difficulty walking this season.
The longtime assistant was the head coach of Detroit’s winless squad in 2008, but is known around the league as an excellent defensive mind.
Dallas finished 9-7 in a season derailed by running back Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension for an alleged domestic abuse.
The Dallas staff is undergoing change. Quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson and secondary coach Joe Baker were fired following the season. Derek Dooley (receivers) left to become the offensive coordinator at Missouri, and Steve Loney (tight ends) is retiring.
Additionally, special teams coach Rich Bisaccia is expected to join Jon Gruden in Oakland.
In the closing days of Dallas’ disappointing season, questions swirled about all of the team’s coaches, including Marinelli.
Middle linebacker Sean Lee made clear his feelings about the coordinator, telling ESPN’s Todd Archer, “I think Rod’s a Hall of Fame coach, who we have thrived under when we play his system the right way. And he’s a guy that we love.
“He’s a guy that has taught me a ton of football. If you look at the last four games, when we have had everybody, we have a defense that can be a championship defense.”
Marinelli joined Dallas in 2013 as the defensive line coach.
The next season, he was elevated to defensive coordinator, replacing Monte Kiffin.
Under Marinelli, the Cowboys’ defense steadily improved, going from 19th in the league in 2014, 17th the next season, and 14th last season.
Despite only having one Pro Bowler (defensive end Demarcus Lawrence), the Dallas defense ranked 8th in the NFL this season.
Dallas head coach Jason Garrett is giving the 68-year-old Marinelli time to make his decision.
Marinelli signed a three-year contract prior to the 2015 season.
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