Dallas Cowboys Hire Former New York Jets Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan

Published: 11th Jan 12 8:17 am
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by Jeric Griffin
NFL Network Manager
Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys have hired the first new coach for 2012; on Tuesday night, the Cowboys hired former New York Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The hiring of Callahan comes after longtime Cowboys offensive line coach Hudson Houck announced his retirement.

Callahan joins the Cowboys after four seasons with the Jets, two of which New York fielded arguably the best offensive line in the NFL. The Jets’ o-line wasn’t as impressive in 2011, but was solid in 2009 and 2010.

The Jets boasted a top-five rushing offense in both of those seasons, including the league’s best in 2009. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was one of the 10 least sacked quarterbacks in both of those seasons as well.

The Cowboys have a very young offensive line that was pretty reliable in 2011 and Callahan is just the guy to help this group reach its full potential. Callahan comes to Dallas after coaching the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line from 1995-1997, coaching the Oakland Raiders’ offensive line from 1998-2001, serving as the Raiders’ head coach from 2002-2003 and then the Jets from 2008-2011.

The Cowboys elected to hire Callahan instead of former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano. This stemmed from Sparano’s desire to be an offensive coordinator, something Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett isn’t willing to give up. Sparano has agreed to become the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. When with the Cowboys in 2006, Sparano headed over his offensive play-calling duties to Garrett when he came to Dallas in 2007.

The 69-year-old Houck is retiring after 29 years in the NFL, including stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and two with the Cowboys. Houck was around for two of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in the mid-1990s.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen wrote Tuesday night that Houck is believed to have coached more Pro Bowl offensive linemen than anyone else in league history.

“I’ve had a great time, been part of a lot of winning teams and I’ve enjoyed a lot of wonderful relationships,” Houck said.

Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin

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