FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have extended the contracts of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, according to multiple sources.
This ensures that Linehan and Marinelli -- who signed three-year extensions after the 2014 season -- will not enter a lame-duck season in 2017.
Linehan joined the Cowboys in 2014 and has directed a top-10 offense in two of the past three years. In 2014, DeMarco Murray ran for a franchise-record 1,845 yards to lead the NFL, and in 2016, Ezekiel Elliott set a team rookie record with a league-best 1,631 yards.
Linehan's job in 2016 was made more impressive by the way he managed rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who entered training camp as No. 3 on the depth chart behind Tony Romo and Kellen Moore. Moore was hurt in the first week of camp, and Romo suffered a compression fracture in his back during the preseason, forcing Prescott to start.
Prescott helped the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was intercepted just four times and set a team record for a quarterback with six rushing touchdowns.
Marinelli joined the Cowboys as the defensive line coach in 2013 but was elevated to coordinator in 2014. With only one All-Pro selection, linebacker Sean Lee, the Cowboys finished 2016 with the NFL's top-ranked run defense and were fifth in points allowed at 19.1 per game.
Marinelli was able to mix and match a pass rush, even though none of the defensive linemen entered last season with a double-digit sack total for their career. Benson Mayowa, a restricted free-agent signing, led the Cowboys with six sacks, followed by third-round pick Maliek Collins with five.
Marinelli's job in 2017 could be more difficult with the Cowboys losing key contributors Barry Church, Brandon Carr, Terrell McClain, Morris Claiborne, Jack Crawford and J.J. Wilcox to free agency. The Cowboys have signed cornerback Nolan Carroll and defensive tackle Stephen Paea as replacements but plan to address the defense mostly through the draft.
Bisaccia, who also carries the assistant head coach title, joined the Cowboys in 2013 after a two-year run with the San Diego Chargers and nine years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that coincided with Marinelli's tenure with the club. Bisaccia is among head coach Jason Garrett's top advisers. His units have been solid, aided by Dan Bailey, who is among the most accurate kickers in NFL history.