IRVING – The Cowboys averaged 26.6 points last season. They had two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher for the second time in franchise history. Quarterback Tony Romo earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.
But the offensive coaching staff could look much different in 2007, with only running game coordinator Tony Sparano and tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens likely to return at this point.
On Thursday, passing game coordinator Todd Haley accepted the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator job, and running backs coach Anthony Lynn signed a two-year contract to be an assistant with the Cleveland Browns. The New York Giants have received permission to interview quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer. Quality control coach David Lee accepted a job last week to be Arkansas' offensive coordinator.
Sparano, who held the assistant head coach, running game coordinator and offensive line titles last season, had received interest from San Diego and Cleveland, but the Cowboys did not grant those teams permission to speak with him.
Haley joined the Cowboys in 2004 as receivers coach and was promoted to passing game coordinator last season. He and new Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt worked together with the New York Jets in 2000.
Receiver Terrell Owens and Haley had a distant relationship at best in their one year together. Haley is a fiery coach, unafraid to speak his mind, and that at times did not mesh with Owens.
Palmer joined the Cowboys last season after spending most of the previous five seasons as Houston's offensive coordinator. A move to the Giants would reunite him with coach Tom Coughlin. He served as Coughlin's offensive coordinator in Jacksonville in 1997 and '98.
Palmer helped greatly in Romo's development.
TOM FOX/DMN
Todd Haley (at left) is joining the Cardinals' coaching staff, and the Giants will interview Chris Palmer (above).
"Chris meant so much to me not just as a quarterback but individually as well," Romo said. "I was able to talk to him about things off the field and on. I got close to him fast because he's easy to talk to. Chris is the same guy every Monday morning, and I really enjoy being around him."
Defensively, the Cowboys have to replace coordinator Mike Zimmer, who took the same position with the Atlanta Falcons, although that opening could be filled internally by secondary coach Todd Bowles. Safeties coach Mike MacIntyre, who is not under contract, has met with the New York Jets and Cleveland. Also, special teams coach Bruce DeHaven signed with Seattle last week.
Parcells talks on New York radio: While remaining a fixture at Valley Ranch three days after announcing his retirement, Bill Parcells made his most extensive remarks regarding his time with the Cowboys while speaking to WFAN radio in New York. In a near half-hour segment, Parcells spoke of his disappointment with the way the season ended, his relationships with Jerry Jones and Owens and the development of Romo.
Parcells said the 21-20 loss at Seattle was one of the low points of his career. He reiterated that mentally he could not go through the whole process of an off-season and season, so he decided to retire.
As for Owens, he said, "It wasn't as problematic as it was portrayed," and "I guess controversy is what sells."
Parcells said he will continue to have a strong relationship with Jones and, "I learned a lot being around him."
Staff writer Calvin Watkins contributed to this report.
