IRVING – First, Mike Zimmer left for Atlanta. Then, David Lee left for Arkansas. Now, Cowboys special teams coach Bruce DeHaven might be leaving for Seattle.
According to sources, DeHaven interviewed with coach Mike Holmgren on Thursday to be the Seahawks' special teams coach. Like Zimmer and Lee, DeHaven does not have a contract with the Cowboys in 2007.
The Seahawks are looking to replace Bob Casullo.
DeHaven joined the Cowboys in 2003 and has produced a quality special teams unit, highlighted by punter Mat McBriar, who earned a Pro Bowl berth this season. Tyson Thompson and Miles Austin averaged 26.0 yards per kickoff return, as the Cowboys ranked second in the NFC in average starting position (28.8 yard line).
The Cowboys allowed only 19.6 yards per kick return, second-best in the NFL, but they suffered through two deflating missed field goal attempts at Washington and in the playoffs against the Seahawks, when Tony Romo bobbled the snap with 1:19 to play.
As the Cowboys continue to see coaches leave, they are still waiting for Bill Parcells to decide whether he will return. Under his contract, Parcells has to make a decision by Feb. 1, but the scouting department is preparing for next week's Senior Bowl practices.
Parcells has attended two Senior Bowls during his tenure, including 2005 when he got a first-hand look at eventual first-round picks DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears.
Briefly: Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett will present the Halas Trophy to the winner of Sunday's NFC Championship Game between New Orleans and Chicago.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
