FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys made a final decision on Scott Linehan and he is out as the 2019 offensive coordinator. Linehan has been with the franchise since 2014, where he was hired as the passing game coordinator. He was bumped to offensive coordinator in 2015 and served at the position until the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, where the Cowboys decided to part ways with the coach.
Head Coach Jason Garrett on coaching decision, “ 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 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, an we wish him and his family nothing but the absolute best moving forward.”
Many fans were calling for Linehan’s head midway through the 2018 season when Dallas hit a 3-5 record with a struggling passing game and an offensive line that was losing the battle at the line of scrimmage. The Cowboys did make a change, but it was not what people expected. They let go of o-line coach Paul Alexander and moved up assistant o-line coach Marc Colombo to assume the position along with consultant advisor Hudson Houck.
The Cowboys offense improved following the coaching change, along with the trade for deep threat Amari Cooper. The o-line battled through injuries and personnel changes in the lineup to give Dak Prescott more time in the pocket to release the ball, and helped establish the ground attack by opening up running lanes for Ezekiel Elliott off the snap of the ball. Amari Cooper coming in changed the dynamic of the Cowboys’ offense. He helped out Prescott with his ability to create separation on routes, and has opened up opportunities for other players such as TE Blake Jarwin and WR Cole Beasley, when he was double-teamed. These changes to the offense helped the team dig themselves out of the hole to finish 11-7 in the postseason. The team accomplished a lot this season and proved their resilience but the team is looking to make it to the next level and their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl.
Many of the team’s losses this season were within a one score margin:
Regular Season-
Week One- Cowboys 8, Panthers 16
Week Five- Cowboys 16, Texans 19
Week Seven- Cowboys 17, Redskins 20
Postseason-
Divisional Round- Cowboys 22, Rams 30
If the Cowboys’ play calling had been more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball with more diversity, those games would have been wins. Dallas needs to get more players involved on offense with TE’s, WR’s, and RB’s to put stress on defenses. They need a wider variety of plays on first, third, and fourth downs to put them in favorable down and distance situations. Next season, the Cowboys have to play into Dak’s strength as a run threat and not force him to be a pocket passer. They need to implement play action and RPO’s to benefit Dak’s QB style. The saying is that “championships are won with defense,” however the two teams that are left representing the NFC in the championship round, have two of the best offenses in the league that rank substantially higher than their defenses. The Rams and the Saints use a variety of weapons in their offensive schemes, and Dallas made the correct step in getting America’s Team on the right track to finding someone who will do the same with the Cowboys’ talent pool.
Statement from Scott Linehan “ 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. “
Best of luck Coach Linehan in your future endeavors and thank you for the dedication you gave this team the past five years and the successes you brought!!
