IRVING, Texas - While Monday saw the beginning of one new assistant coach, the futures of two other assistants remain unclear, particularly Jason Garrett.
The Cowboys' offensive coordinator, who has already interviewed with Denver and Detroit for head coaching positions, although the Broncos just filled their vacancy, is now reportedly a finalist for the St. Louis Rams head coaching job.
Garrett is expected to interview with Rams' executives on Wednesday in Los Angeles and is considered one of the five finalists for the position, along with current interim head coach Jim Haslett, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
Last week, the Rams received permission to interview with Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman, but he did not officially interview.
Garrett is considered one of the finalists for the Lions head coaching position. He was also a candidate in Denver, although the Broncos named Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels their new head coach.
Meanwhile at Valley Ranch, the Cowboys had a new face in the hallways, as special teams coach Joe DeCamillis began his new job, replacing Bruce Read after two seasons.
The new special teams coach has 20 years of experience in the NFL, including two stints where he worked with Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips. Both DeCamillis and Phillips were on the staff together in Denver and later in Atlanta, where DeCamillis coached for 10 seasons before a two-year stint in Jacksonville.
Although DeCamillis' contract expired, the Jaguars reportedly wanted to re-hire him, especially after Jacksonville led the NFL in kickoff coverage in 2008. But DeCamillis opted for Dallas, where the Cowboys have struggled in the kicking game the last two years.
DeCamillis was not made available for comment by the Cowboys' public relations staff.
As for Cowboys linebackers coach Reggie Herring, he was rumored to be the next defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. However, Herring said on Monday that he has not been formally contacted by the school, particularly OSU head coach Mike Gundy. Herring said he fielded a call from one OSU official and was simply made aware of the opening and said he "would listen" if approached, but nothing more came out of the situation.
Herring has plenty of college ties, having coached at various schools, including Clemson, TCU, Arkansas and even Oklahoma State, where he worked under Jimmy Johnson for two of his five seasons in Stillwater.
Even before joining the Cowboys last spring, Herring spent less than two months at Texas A&M as the defensive coordinator before he came to Dallas.
Last year, the Cowboys linebackers had a banner year, led by DeMarcus Ware, who topped the NFL with 20.0 sacks, the sixth-highest single-season total in league history. Also, the two inside linebackers produced the second- and third-highest season totals in tackles in club history. Bradie James had 202 stops while Zach Thomas registered 177.
Herring spent his Monday working in his Valley Ranch office, much like many other Cowboys assistants. While Herring is certainly no stranger to having his name linked to other jobs, another coach who is getting used to the process is Garrett.
After just two years as the Cowboys offensive coordinator, Garrett has now been a candidate for at least five head coaching openings, including three this year.
After last season, Garrett turned down both Baltimore and Atlanta. Ironically, both teams went 11-5 in the regular season and new coach John Harbaugh has the Ravens playing in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
As for Atlanta, new coach Mike Smith was named AP Coach of the Year after leading the Falcons to their first playoff appearance in five seasons. Both coaches were able to have such success this year despite starting rookie quarterbacks.
After returning as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator, Garrett was not only named the club's assistant head coach, but received a raise to $3 million per season, becoming the NFL's highest-paid assistant coach.
And although the Cowboys' offense did not return the same success in 2008 as it did the previous year, Garrett obviously remains a hot commodity.
While Garrett turned down the offers last year, it might be a different story if the opportunity arrives once again.
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Nick Eatman - 
