Cowboys make changes on both sides of the ball

This week, Jones made major changes.

The team has announced that, as expected, Scott Linehan has been hired both to serve as passing coordinator and to call the offensive plays in 2014.

As not expected, the team has announced that Rod Marinelli will become the defensive coordinator, with Monte Kiffin promoted/shifted/whatever to the position of assistant head coach/defense.

“Our responsibility is to bring quality people into our organization and find the best fit for them.  That applies to players, and it applies to coaches,” coach Jason Garrett said.  “Rod Marinelli’s production in terms of creating turnovers and changing field position as a defensive coordinator is well documented.  Monte Kiffin’s overall knowledge and understanding of this defensive scheme will be put to use in mentoring all of the players and coaches on the defensive side of the ball.  Monte was brought here to direct a transition in philosophy to the 4-3 scheme, and he will continue to oversee the development of our defense in this scheme.”

Garrett also addressed the addition of Linehan and the stripping of the play-calling duties from Callahan.

“The opportunity to add someone of Scott Linehan’s expertise and experience will benefit our offensive unit, and we believe the combination of him and Bill Callahan working closely together will give us a great chance to build upon the strides we made offensively last year,” Garrett said.

Linehan’s arrival apparently won’t mean the departure of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Bill Callahan.  Per Ed Werder of ESPN, the Cowboys are keeping Callahan because he’d become the interim head coach, if Garrett is fired during the 2014 season.

Yep.  Everything is normal and fully functional with the Cowboys.