2018 ScheduleAll times ET

2018 Schedule
10-6, 1st in NFC East

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

A 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."

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth
2dTodd Archer

Linehan out as Cowboys' offensive coordinator

Scott Linehan is out as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator, the team announced Friday, meaning Dallas will move ahead with a different playcaller for the first time since 2014.

Polian: Garrett will have say in Cowboys' new OC (1:29)

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Jason Garrett's statement on Scott Linehan's departure, calling it a mutual 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 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.”

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Scott Linehan is out as Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator, according to multiple sources. Linehan served as the Cowboys' playcaller since 2014 and presided over three rushing champions (DeMarco Murray in 2014 and Ezekiel Elliott in 2016 and '18), but the organization felt it was time for a change after the offense finished ranked 22nd in yards and points per game in 2018. No word on how the Cowboys will replace Linehan.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Cowboys offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Zack Martin will not play in the Pro Bowl, according to multiple sources. Smith was bothered for much of the second half of the season with a stinger and a right elbow injury, while Martin played through a sprained left knee for most of the season. After the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Martin hinted he would not play in the Pro Bowl. Neither player will need surgery. Time should help heal their issues.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett has signed back to Jason Garrett's staff. Lett has been part of Garrett's staff since 2011 and has helped with the development of DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford and others. He is the second coach to be retained this week, joining offensive line coach Marc Colombo.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Leighton Vander Esch will replace Luke Kuechly at the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Cowboys rookie defender to play in the all-star game since Everson Walls in 1981. Vander Esch led the Cowboys with 176 tackles, according to the coaches' breakdown, which is the most by a rookie in team history. He also had three tackles for loss, five quarterback pressures, two interceptions and six pass deflections. He will join teammates Ezekiel Elliott, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Byron Jones and DeMarcus Lawrence and the coaches in Orlando, although Martin is likely to skip the game because of a knee injury that bothered him most of the season.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

According to multiple sources, Marc Colombo signed a new deal to be the Cowboys offensive line coach in 2019. He took over on an interim basis for Paul Alexander after seven games in 2018 and had to work around injuries to Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith and Zack Martin in the second half of the season, as well as not having Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick all season. The Cowboys could have faced competition for Colombo with his former Boston College teammate, Brian Flores, expected to be named head coach of the Miami Dolphins whenever the New England Patriots' season ends.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

The Cowboys can go about extending the contracts of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott or the first time this offseason. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones said he wants Prescott, “short term and long term.” Regarding Elliott, he said, “it would be madness to think any differently.” He has the same feelings about DeMarcus Lawrence, Byron Jones and others. “Now getting there, hell, I want a bigger boat,” Jones said. “The bottomline is there's a whole bunch of stuff that you want … Do you have the resources or do you have the means or do you have the plan to get there?”

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

If there's any question about Jason Garrett's future with Cowboys, Jerry Jones ended that, while speaking on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday. “If Jason Garrett was on the market two weeks ago, he would've had five offers for head coach," Jones said. "I know that. And so you've got to look at what your alternative is.”

Shaq prank calls Stephen A. Smith as 'Tex Johnson' (1:35)

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Away from the cameras, Jason Garrett reiterated his stance that he does not anticipate significant changes on the coaching staff, but acknowledged there have not been any discussions with the coaches or the front office. He was asked if he has final authority on the staff and said, “Like with everything they're all collaborative decisions. I do not own the team. Jerry Jones owns the team. Ultimately, he has final say over everything we do here. But I do believe our relationship is very collaborative. I have a tremendous amount of faith and trust in him and hopefully he has the same for me.”

6d

Barnwell Show: Farrar & Nguyen recap NFC playoffs

Bill welcomes Doug Farrar of USA Today to recap the Saints' win over the Eagles in the Divisional Round of the NFL postseason (1:45) as well as Ted Nguyen of The Athletic to recap the Rams' victory over the Cowboys (23:11). Both guests also take a look at what's to come in the NFC Championship, including what level of involvement C.J. Anderson may have and if Drew Brees will have issues finding time in the pocket. Those questions and so much more answered in this NFC-centric show.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Travis Frederick had shoulder surgery last week to clean up an issue with a labrum problem, but Jason Garrett took that news as a positive that the four-time Pro Bowl center was preparing for a full return in 2019 after missing the 2018 season dealing with the effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Frederick's strength and conditioning improved greatly down the stretch and he no longer has any numbness in his legs and hands.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Jason Garrett said there have been no talks between the Cowboys and his representatives about a potential contract extension. Garrett is signed through 2019.

Will Cain and Stephen A. go at it about Cowboys (1:11)

Team Stats

Passing Yards221.123rd
Rushing Yards122.710th
Points For21.222nd
Points Against20.36th