The Dallas Cowboys search for a new head coach has continued longer than first expected, with the team still evaluating its options after former coach Bill Parcells resigned on Jan. 22. Considered one of the marquee coaching positions in all of football, the Cowboys' vacancy has already led to a lengthy interview process with at least seven candidates. Dallas now appears likely to speak with an assistant of both the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts, each of whom competed last Sunday in the Super Bowl.
The aforementioned assistants, Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Turner and Indianapolis quarterback coach Jim Caldwell, have joined the Cowboys' perceived short list along with San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who has previous head coaching experience with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Norv Turner has emerged as the frontrunner pending the upcoming interviews with Ron Turner and Caldwell.
It is believed that Dallas is pursuing a coach with the priority of developing quarterback Tony Romo, who rose to prominence this season and made the Pro Bowl despite playing in only 11 full games. A decision is expected by the end of the week.