One of the Dallas Cowboys’ most significant offseason hires is anticipated to bring the fan favorite and former coach back together.

The Dallas Cowboys are a team that is never far from the spotlight, especially during the offseason when key decisions are made that shape the team for the upcoming year. Each offseason brings with it a fresh wave of excitement, speculation, and hope as the Cowboys’ front office works to build a roster capable of returning to championship contention. In recent seasons, the Cowboys have made several noteworthy changes to their coaching staff and roster, but one of the most anticipated moves this year is the hiring of a new coach or key assistant who is expected to bring with him a fan-favorite figure—someone who has a deep connection to the Cowboys’ rich history. This move is more than just a strategic decision; it’s one that could potentially reignite the passion of fans and reconnect the franchise with a period of success that many believe could be replicated.

The story of the Cowboys’ coaching staff has always been tied to the franchise’s identity. The team’s legacy was built by iconic figures like Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson, both of whom helped mold the Cowboys into one of the NFL’s most successful and storied franchises. Landry was a defensive genius, and his coaching philosophy was the foundation upon which the Cowboys’ success was built. Meanwhile, Johnson’s brash, fiery personality and innovative offensive schemes helped propel the team to dominance in the 1990s. Though the franchise has struggled to recapture that glory in recent years, the idea of returning to its roots, so to speak, has been a major theme for many Cowboys fans.

As such, the anticipated offseason hire that has captured the imagination of fans is the return of a former coach or key figure from the franchise’s golden years. The notion of bringing back a fan favorite is one that the Cowboys front office may embrace as it seeks to address the team’s recent playoff disappointments and rebuild its image as a perennial Super Bowl contender. This hire is expected to be someone with an intimate understanding of the Cowboys’ culture and history, one who embodies the values that have always defined the franchise—hard work, leadership, and resilience.

One of the leading candidates for this important position is a coach who was a significant part of the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s: defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Marinelli, who previously served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator from 2014 to 2017, is a familiar face for fans who remember the team’s impressive defensive units under his leadership. Marinelli’s connection to the Cowboys is rooted in his dedication to the game and his deep respect for the franchise’s history and traditions. Known for his no-nonsense approach and his ability to develop a defensive scheme that prioritized discipline and effort, Marinelli’s tenure in Dallas was marked by a defense that, while occasionally inconsistent, showed flashes of brilliance.

Marinelli’s potential return to the Cowboys is especially intriguing considering the state of the team’s defense in recent seasons. Under the leadership of current defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys have seen marked improvement in their defensive performance, particularly with the rise of star players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. Quinn’s defensive schemes have revitalized the team’s defensive identity, but the franchise’s leadership may feel that adding a voice like Marinelli’s could further solidify the Cowboys’ defensive culture. Marinelli, with his experience and pedigree, could serve as a valuable resource for the current defensive staff, offering mentorship and guidance to a new generation of players.

However, Marinelli’s return isn’t just about his experience with the defense—it also represents a deeper connection to the team’s history and the enduring spirit of the Cowboys’ defense. Marinelli’s time in Dallas was part of an era where the Cowboys’ defense showed resilience, and many fans associate his defensive units with the toughness and grit that have long been synonymous with the franchise. If he were to return in a key coaching role, it would be a way for the Cowboys to re-embrace the traditions that made them great while also forging a new path forward.

Another key figure that could be part of the Cowboys’ anticipated hire is former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Linehan, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2015 to 2018, played a key role in the development of the team’s offense during the latter part of the decade. Linehan’s time in Dallas was marked by a balanced offensive approach that centered around the powerful running game led by Ezekiel Elliott and the passing game that featured quarterback Dak Prescott. Linehan was praised for his ability to craft an offense that played to the strengths of his players, emphasizing ball control, play-action, and a strong offensive line.

Though Linehan’s tenure was ultimately cut short in Dallas, many fans still remember his ability to bring out the best in Prescott and the offense. Linehan’s return to the Cowboys could help restore some stability to the offense, especially as the team works to build a more dynamic and explosive unit. With Prescott entering the prime of his career, the team could benefit from Linehan’s knowledge of how to create a balanced offense that allows both the quarterback and the running back to thrive. Additionally, Linehan’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ system would allow for a smoother transition and greater continuity on the offensive side of the ball.

Bringing Linehan back into the fold could also help rejuvenate a fanbase that has been somewhat disillusioned by the Cowboys’ offensive inconsistencies in recent seasons. Many fans have criticized the team’s playcalling and offensive philosophy, feeling that it hasn’t always lived up to the talent on the roster. Linehan’s offensive schemes, which were once a source of pride for the Cowboys, could provide a fresh perspective and renewed hope for the future.

Yet, the most significant aspect of this potential hire is not just the return of a familiar face but the larger message it sends to the team and its fans. The Cowboys’ front office recognizes that the franchise is at a crossroads, and they are looking to make bold moves that can reignite the passion and spirit of the team. By bringing back former coaches or key figures who have been part of the team’s past successes, the organization is signaling that it is committed to restoring the franchise’s identity and rebuilding a championship-caliber team.

This decision is likely driven by several factors. For one, the Cowboys have experienced a level of frustration in recent seasons, particularly in the postseason. Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, the team has struggled to consistently perform when the stakes are highest. This has led many to question whether the current coaching staff is capable of leading the team to a Super Bowl victory. Bringing back familiar faces like Marinelli or Linehan would provide a sense of stability and continuity for the players, helping to alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the franchise.

Moreover, the Cowboys are facing increasing pressure from their fanbase to win now. The team’s loyal supporters have been waiting for decades for another Super Bowl title, and the organization knows that it needs to make moves that will resonate with fans and restore the Cowboys to their rightful place among the NFL’s elite teams. The return of fan-favorite figures who have been part of the Cowboys’ glory years would undoubtedly excite the fanbase and create a renewed sense of optimism.