With The First Pick
Fansided

Scott Linehan deserves some head coaching consideration

By Jon Dove

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan calls a play in the game against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan calls a play in the game against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Dallas Cowboys are finishing up an amazing regular season that should earn some head coaching consideration for offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

Scott Linehan has previous head coaching experience when he led the St. Louis Rams from 2006 to 2008. His tenure in St. Louis was a rocky one that featured some run-ins with veteran players still in place from the Mike Martz era.

Linehan was put in a tough situation where a 1st time head coach was forced to deal with disgruntled veterans. He didn’t handle the situation well and it resulted in poor play on the field. The Rams eventually fired Linehan 4 games into the 2008 season.

Since his stint with the Rams, Linehan has enjoyed a lot of success as an offensive coordinator. His best work has come with the Dallas Cowboys—especially this year. He deserves a lot of credit for crafting an offense around a rookie quarterback and running back.

More from With the First Pick

Dak Prescott has been amazing this season, but some of that has to do with the fact there’s a sound and effective game plan. Linehan didn’t hesitate to build the offense around the team’s No. 1 pick, Ezekiel Elliott, and allow the highly talented offensive line to dominate.

There are several teams that will be looking for a new head coach who has the ability to develop quarterbacks. Despite his struggles as the Rams head coach, Linehan has experience leading a team and should be given the chance to learn from his mistakes.

The Jacksonville Jaguars would be a great place for Linehan to land. He’d have a chance to work with Blake Bortles and hopefully get him on track. The Jaguars have several talented pieces in place on offense with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee and Julius Thomas.

It’s not inconceivable that someone with Linehan’s experience could right the ship as early as next season.

The one thing that could keep Linehan out of the running for a head coaching job is the Cowboys playoff success. Some teams might not be willing to wait until the Cowboys are eliminated from the playoffs to decide on a new head coach.

However, the fact remains that Linehan should be one of the hotter head coaching candidates in this year’s process.

Home/NFL News