In search of their third tight ends coach in three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys are looking internally to fill one of their last remaining spots available on a reshuffled coaching staff. Already replacing offensive line coach Frank Pollack with Paul Alexander this offseason, the Cowboys have now interviewed assistant OL coach and former player Marc Colombo for the TE coach job.
Colombo's progress through the Cowboys' coaching ranks has mirrored his playing career in Dallas — starting 72 games at right tackle from 2005 to 2010 after having his career as the Bears' first round pick in 2002 derailed by injury.
Cowboys ass't OL coach Marc Colombo interviewed for team's vacant tight ends coach position in Mobile. Long-time NFL lineman may be moving up.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 24, 2018
The Cowboys need stability, both on the field and under the headset at TE.
Longtime coach Mike Pope's retirement led to Steve Loney coaching this group in 2017, only to retire himself ahead of the 2018 season.
Colombo began with the Cowboys' personnel department in 2014, officially joining the coaching staff the next year to help usher in a new era on the offensive line in Dallas. Colombo was given even more responsibility with his former team in 2016, serving as their assistant OL coach.
Running his own room, albeit at an unfamiliar position, is a logical next step for Marc Colombo.
With former teammate Jason Witten at least in place for next season, another promotion for Colombo to TE coach could go a long way in building a solid foundation at the position.
Considering the Cowboys' level of commitment to their running game, which relies on tight ends to block at the point of attack, Colombo would still coach similar techniques to what he's been coaching since 2015.
Behind Witten, the Cowboys overwhelmingly feature TEs that are better blockers than pass catchers.
Baylor basketball convert Rico Gathers aside, the team believes strongly in the abilities of Geoff Swaim, James Hanna, and even 2017 UDFA Blake Jarwin — thanks mostly to their blocking skills.
A lot has been made of the coaching changes the Cowboys have made so far this offseason, in search of “fresh ideas” to maximize the talent on this young roster. Scott Linehan's offense has been heavily criticized, particularly in the passing game.
Already entering 2018 with a new WR coach (Sanjay Lal), while retaining RB coach Gary Brown, it may not be added creativity that the Cowboys really need at tight end.
Stability will do just fine here, and this is something Marc Colombo has provided as a player and coach with the Cowboys for a long time. Now, he may be the team's leading candidate to take over at TE coach.
