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The Dallas Cowboys assistant coaches, at least some of them, might become hot commodities on the free agent market. As we noted yesterday, the rumors had begun, especially around Bill Callahan. Stephen Jones said the Cowboys have a three-day window to get the assistants re-signed before they would be able to speak to anyone else. I guess that hasn't stopped teams from making their intentions known. Yesterday it was said up to eight teams have interest in Callahan. Now we're getting to hear some of the particulars. With a bonus name, Linehan's, thrown in.
Browns requested permission for OC interviews w/ Cowboys OC Bill Callahan and DAL asst Scott Linehan, per source. Jags requested Callahan.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2015
The Browns need to replace Kyle Shanahan, who left the team this offseason. Browns head coach Mike Pettine has a previous working relationship with Callahan from their days with the Jets, and Pettine tried to interview Callahan last year but the Cowboys blocked it.
The Jaguars need to replace Jedd Fisch who was fired this offseason.
I'm not too concerned with the offensive coordinator request for Scott Linehan, the Cowboys are going to pay him like an offensive coordinator and he will likely be named offensive coordinator. Why? Because I believe that Callahan will leave. Becoming a full offensive coordinator somewhere will be a promotion for him, and even though he did a fantastic job in 2014, I don't think he's quite gotten over Dallas stripping the play-calling duties from him. Also, he wanted to go with Mike Pettine and the Browns last year from all reports. That's just speculation, but most observers believe that Callahan will end up elsewhere in 2015.
If the Cowboys lose defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to the Bucs and Lovie Smith, one name they might want to consider is Jim Schwartz. He has parted ways with the Buffalo Bills and Rex Ryan, who has brought in his own coordinator. The Bills defense was one of the best in the NFL under his tutelage, and his teams back when he was a coordinator in Tennessee were always strong against the run. He could be a viable replacement.