IRVING – Jason Garrett is on the Cowboys' coaching staff, that much is known.
Sources say Garrett will become the offensive coordinator, but owner/general manager Jerry Jones wouldn't get specific about the role Thursday.
Garrett is thought of as a bright offensive mind, despite only two seasons as the quarterbacks coach with Miami.
When San Francisco assistant head coach Mike Singletary interviewed for the then-vacant Atlanta head coaching job, he called Garrett to gauge his interest about becoming the offensive coordinator.
Before Garrett interviewed with the Cowboys, he spoke with Norv Turner, San Francisco's offensive coordinator.
His ability to run the offense remains a question.
"When you're a young guy and don't have a lot of experience how ready you are, is the question," Jones said. "With him, and all the things we know about him, there's a really good foundation there. In some ways, it's operating without a net."
The type of offense Dallas will run is another issue.
Jones said the Cowboys are not totally committed to using a timing-based offense that was popular in the 1990s when Turner was the offensive coordinator. The team could also continue using the two-tight end set it employed last season.
The Cowboys finished the 2006 season fifth overall in offense.
With Garrett most likely to run the offense, Phillips, who inherits five coaches from Bill Parcells' staff, has to make decisions on retaining them.
The Cowboys lost eight assistant coaches including the passing game coordinator and defensive coordinator.
Jones said there's a possibility Todd Bowles, the secondary coach, will become the defensive coordinator.
Tony Sparano, the assistant head coach/running game coordinator, who called the plays last season, is highly thought of by Jones.
"We've got to figure out the division of labor still," Jones said. "But he will remain a very important part. He's not going anywhere. He's going to be here for us."
Phillips said his first priority is to hire assistants as soon as possible. He has to fill at least four assistant coach spots. He could begin with his son Wes Phillips, Baylor's quarterbacks coach.
Wes Phillips could get hired as the quality control coach with the Cowboys.
LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN
One of the next tasks for Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips will be to figure out who will be assistant coaches. Tony Sparano (above with Tony Romo) got a vote of confidence from Jones.
"I think there's something there that's attractive being in the NFL," Wes Phillips said. "I love college ball and I love the age of the guys that I'm coaching."
Wade Phillips said he has some coaches in mind, and that it's not a problem in filling coaching vacancies.
"There's a benefit of being in the league 30 years. You know a lot of people," Wade Phillips said. "I can recognize good coaches. Jerry and I will put a staff together that will help us to win. Sometimes there are more coaches out there than jobs."
SO WHO IS WHERE?
Five assistant coaches from the 2006 season remain on the Cowboys' staff. The rundown:
| Assistant coach | Position | Current position | | Todd Bowles | Secondary | With Cowboys | | Vincent Brown | Inside linebackers | With Cowboys | | Bruce DeHaven | Special teams | Seattle special teams coach | | Todd Haley | Wide receivers | Arizona off. coordinator | | Freddie Kitchens | Tight ends | Arizona assistant coach | | David Lee | Offensive quality control | Arkansas off. coordinator | | Anthony Lynn | Running backs | Cleveland running backs | | Mike MacIntyre | Safeties | Jets secondary coach | | Chris Palmer | Quarterbacks | Giants quarterbacks coach | | Paul Pasqualoni | Linebackers | With Cowboys | | Kacy Rodgers | Defensive line | With Cowboys | | Tony Sparano | Run game coordinator | With Cowboys | | Mike Zimmer | Defensive coordinator | Atlanta def. coordinator | |
