The Dallas Cowboys’ roster has undergone substantial turnover this offseason, with several players and coaches finding new homes for 2020. For some, it represents their first time venturing outside the organization. Other players were just passing through, having spent only a year in Dallas before moving on elsewhere.
What effect will these departures have on the Cowboys this season, and how do those moving on fit in with their new teams? Some of the changes figure to make a bigger impact than others.
OC Jason Garrett: New York Giants
Dallas finally changed head coaches, bringing in Mike McCarthy for longtime fixture Jason Garrett. It’s a decision that represents a fundamental shift in team philosophies, and one that will hopefully yield immediate results in helping a talented roster take the next step.
Garrett landed on his feet rather quickly, within the division where he’ll serve as offensive coordinator under first-year coach Joe Judge for the New York Giants.
Garrett’s had more of a hands-off approach in recent years, but he’s long been lauded for his offensive mind. He takes over somewhat of a blank canvas in New York, with young QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley. Will this year be a renaissance for the veteran coach, or will he revert to the same tendencies and strategies he relied on the last ten years in Dallas?
DL coach Rod Marinelli: Las Vegas Raiders
The Cowboys defensive coordinator since 2014, Marinelli is another familiar face who will be on a different sideline in 2020. He joins a collection of ex-Dallas players in Las Vegas, filling in as Jon Gruden’s defensive line coach.
New DC Mike Nolan will apparently give the Cowboys defense a face lift, moving from traditional Tampa 2 concepts into something more complex. Look for Dallas to blitz much more often than they did under Marinelli, and move players like Jaylon Smith and Chidobe Awuzie into new roles and positions.
OL Marc Colombo: New York Giants
Joining Garrett in New York is Marc Colombo, where he’ll be their offensive line coach. Colombo played for the Cowboys from 2005 – 2010. He became an assistant offensive line coach in 2016, and was promoted OL coach during the 2018 season.
Replacing Colombo in Dallas is Joe Philbin, former Dolphins head coach and longtime McCarthy assistant.
Continue for a look at players who will be donning new uniforms…
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