DALLAS-Scott Linehan is out as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, less than a week after coach Jason Garrett sent mixed messages about the future for the oft-criticized assistant.
Garrett, in a statement released Friday, described the move as a mutual decision after he and Linehan had some open and positive discussions this week. Linehan, who just completed his fifth season in Dallas, had one more season left on his contract.
"This was very much a mutual decision, and there was a great deal of common ground and shared understanding between both of us during our meetings," Garrett said. "Scott has had an incredibly positive impact on our football team. He has been instrumental in the development and success of a significant number of our veteran and younger players."
The Cowboys rebounded after a 3-5 start to win the NFC East. They beat the Seattle Seahawks in a home wild-card game before a 30-22 loss at the Los Angeles Rams last weekend.
Garrett said on his radio show Monday he thought Linehan would return and didn't expect any significant changes to his staff. But at a news conference later in the day, Garrett was far from definitive and said discussions about a coaching staff hadn't happened.
Linehan said in a statement issued by the team that he and Garrett agreed after "a good, direct talk" that "a fresh start was probably best for both of us."
"I'll always respect Jason as a coach, and I consider him a good friend," Linehan said. "I'll miss my fellow coaches and my players a great deal. But life is about change and growth, and I very much look forward to my next challenge."