Dallas Cowboys has released Scott Linehan as the offensive coordinator despite insisting earlier the week this was not on their radar to do. In an official statement, head coach Jason Garrett refers to the decision as mutual. Some reports would suggest perhaps Garrett’s plan to keep Linehan was overruled by owner and General Manager Jerry Jones.
Following the team’s loss against the Los Angeles Rams last Saturday ending what had begun to feel like a real shot at making the Super Bowl, many fans and pundits suggested for the team to go to the next level, Linehan had to go.
However, Garrett quickly tampered down the idea with the comments on a local radio program stating he did not foresee any major coaching changes. This despite having a team with the leading NFL rusher yet the team was only No. 22 in total offense, as well as, scoring offense. The average score per game was 21.2 points, something many considered a key contributing factor to the 3-5 hole the team found themselves in before rebounding strongly in the second half of the season. However, while the offense led by Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott often found a way to score enough points to win, especially after the addition of
Amari Cooper in a midseason trade. But there is no question the Cowboys’ success this year came from the strength of their defense keeping them in the games long enough for the offense to finally find a way to win.
Reportedly the team attempted to hire a new offensive coordinator this week, but the individual accepted another job. The speculation now begins on if the team will promote from within or if they will find a strong leader from another NFL coaching staff.
Garrett’s official statement regarding Linehan’s release
“This was not an easy decision because of how highly we regard Scott Linehan as a football coach and as a person. He and I had some really positive, substantive and open discussions which took place in the latter part of this week, and we ultimately agreed that it would be in the best interest of all of the parties involved if we were to make a change at this (offensive coordinator) position. This was very much a mutual decision, and there was a great deal of common ground and shared understanding between both of us during our meetings. Scott has had an incredibly positive impact on our football team. He has been instrumental in the development and success of a significant number of our veteran and younger players. He is an outstanding football coach, a great friend and we wish him and his family nothing but the absolute best moving forward.”
Linehan’s statement:
“As Jason expressed, we met on Wednesday and had a good, direct talk. At the end, we resolved that a fresh start was probably best for both of us.
“The Dallas Cowboys have been nothing but great to me, first class all the way. There’s a reason that they are the most valuable sports franchise on the planet. And I’ll always respect Jason as a coach, and I consider him a good friend. I’ll miss my fellow coaches and my players a great deal. But life is about change and growth, and I very much look forward to my next challenge.”
