Cowboys Coach Search: 'McCarthy Guy' Out

The replacement for Nussmeier seems to be already in the building ... Scott Tolzien is currently a lower-level offensive assistant and former player for McCarthy back with the Green Bay Packers. 

JAN 26 DQ STAYING The Cowboys, for the second straight season, are avoiding losing Dan Quinn to a head coaching job elsewhere. And CowboysSI.com has the scoop ...

'I'm staying with the Cowboys,'' Quinn tells CowboysSI.com on Thursday afternoon, even as he's being considered for a trio of top jobs elsewhere. "We've still got unfinished business at The Star!'

Quinn will remain for at least another year as the defensive coordinator on Mike McCarthy's coaching staff. And so even though there are other changes - maybe even changes that involve offensive coordinator Kellen Moore - DQ is intact.

Quinn, as CowboysSI.com was first to report a year ago - when he similarly turned down opportunities to remain with owner Jerry Jones' Cowboys - was offered an arrangement then that would make it financially attractive to remain here ... "attractive'' as in, a head coach salary to be the top assistant.

JAN 25 COWBOYS COACH CHANGES The Cowboys have started the process of remaking Mike McCarthy's coaching staff.

Senior defensive assistant George Edwards, who worked with the Micah Parsons-led linebackers group, and running backs coach Skip Peete, who worked with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, will not be back with the club.

NFL Network is first to report.

Technically, Edwards and Peete are "out of contract,'' so "fired'' is not considered the appropriate word. But they are out ... with a few more such moves likely.

Also gone (per ESPN): McCarthy long-time assistant Joe Philbin (offensive line) and Leon Lett, the former Cowboys standout who has been working with the D-line.

The Star-Telegram reports that top aide Rob Davis, who held the position of "assistant head coach,'' is also dismissed.

Davis, Philbin and Lett were at the end of their contracts.

JAN 23 COACH VS. CAMERAMAN? The Dallas Cowboys were pushed out of the NFL playoffs on Sunday in San Francisco, the 49ers winning, 19-12.

Did coach Mike McCarthy also do some pushing?

An AP photographer snapped a photo of an unhappy coach appearing to shove  a cameraman away from him - complete with McCarthy putting his hands on the lens of the media member's equipment - as he walked off the field at Levi's Stadium.

Was it a shove? A push? Not exactly ...

As veteran photojournalist Noah Bullard notes, it was really just "a hand to the lens.'' 

That doesn't make it acceptable, and to McCarthy's credit, he did invite Bullard to meet privately, at which time he offered an apology.

Nevertheless, it was a bad - if out-of-character - look for the Cowboys coach.

AN 21 COWBOYS CUT CB The Cowboys have made four roster moves ahead of the Sunday playoff game here at Francisco.

Up is cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who figures into the game plan against the 49ers.

But cut is another vet corner, Trayvon Mullen.

Meanwhile, they have also shuffled O-linemen, having elevated the versatile Aviante Collins to the 53-man roster while cutting Brock Hoffman.

JAN 19 FEHOKO HELP? The Cowboys made four roster moves ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round matchup with the 49ers.

Dallas signed DB Sheldrick Redwine and CB Mackensie Alexander to the practice squad, while they designated to return to practice WR Simi Fehoko and LB Devin Harper. The Cowboys are looking for depth heading into Levi's Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Try

JAN 19 BRADY TO D.C.? Yes, the Dallas Cowboys slayed the dragon in finally beating Tom Brady as they move on in the playoffs to San Francisco. We're not sure, though, that means they're excited about facing him again.

The Washington Commanders are once again looking at the veteran quarterback market. And while other free agents like Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson could be under center for the Commanders next season, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Commanders are +2000 odds to be the team Brady takes his next snap with, 10th-best in the league.

Brady, 45, is an impending free agent after his contract expires with the Buccaneers, who were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night in a 31-14 loss.

Read more about Brady and D.C. here.

JAN 17 GAGE UPDATE Monday night was eventful in a positive way for the Dallas Cowboys ... but scary for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Russell Gage.

Late in what would be Dallas' 31-14 playoff win at Tampa, Gage left on a stretcher and was sent by ambulance the hospital to be further evaluated. He remained in the hospital overnight to undergo additional testing on his neck and has yet to be released.

But Gage himself now says via Twitter, "I'm doing great and in great spirits!''

After the team released that update, Gage tweeted out an update of his own and said that he was doing "great."

"I appreciate all of the texts, calls, thoughts, and prayers you all have expressed towards my family and I. I just wanted to let you all know that I’m doing great and in great spirits! Thank you!" Gage tweeted.

JAN 16 TOM BRADY INTERCEPTED The Cowboys know they need to win the turnover game here in Tampa in this playoff matchup ... and after a Dalton Schultz TD to start the scoring, the Cowboys stole one from Tom Brady.

An end-zone interception by Jayron Kearse turned the Bucs away on that end. ... and then Dallas drove the length of the field for another score midway through the second period.

The Cowboys are up after a fourth-down 1-yard Dak Prescott deceptive run for a TD.

Oddly, though, Dallas has missed both extra points.

JAN 16: RHODES READY - The Dallas Cowboys have elevated veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes to the active roster for Monday night's NFC Wild Card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Cowboys will definitely include the recently signed Rhodes, 33, involved in some packages on defense - maybe even in a starting-level role of 

JAN 16 PRO BOWLER DEBUT The Cowboys are pleased with their level of health ... including that of Micah Parsons' new baby daughter! ... but for the moment, it's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have made the latest move, having activated Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen from injured reserve.

That makes him eligible for Monday night's NFC Wild Card game here in Tampa against the Dallas Cowboys (7:15 ET, ESPN/ABC).

Jensen injured his knee at beginning of training camp and it forced him to miss all of the 2022 regular season. His return should help keep upright QB Tom Brady, 45, the least-sacked quarterback in the league ... against a Dallas D with the third-most sacks in the NFL.

JAN 15 BEAS TD Josh Allen has connected with Cole Beasley for a six-yard touchdown in the Sunday AFC Wild Card game pitting the heavy-favorite Bills against the Dolphins ... but it's a battle.

But, thanks to Cowboys ex Beasley - and his first career playoff TD - the Bills are back up, 27-24, with a few minutes left in the third quarter in Buffalo.

Follow the game here at Bills SI. ...

JAN 14 NINERS ADVANCE The Seattle Seahawks shattered expectations this season, and they gave it their best shot to do it again against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card on Saturday at Levi's Stadium.

But the only thing that was shattered in the 41-23 season-ending loss to the Niners was the Seahawks' hopes of securing a massive postseason upset over their divisional rival.

Seattle got a solid performance from quarterback Geno Smith, who went 25 of 35 passing for 253 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He found a connection with receiver DK Metcalf, who finished with 10 catches for 136 yards and two scores. But none of it was enough to counter a big day from Niners running back Christian McCaffrey (15 carries for 119 yards with a receiving score) and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy (18 of 30 for 332 yards and three touchdowns). San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel (six grabs for 133 yards and a touchdown) was also central to the win.

The Niners will be at home next week, and depending on how the rest of the weekend turns out the Cowboys could be at San Francisco. Dallas, the No. 5 seed, needs to win at Tampa Bay on Monday, of course. And the Giants would have to win at Minnesota. New York, the No. 6 seed, would then play at No. 1 Philly, leaving Dallas at the Niners.

That would of course be a rematch of last season's playoff opener - in which the Niners defeated Dallas at AT&T Stadium.

JAN 14 SEAHAWKS UPSET? Nothing against the Seattle Seahawks - they belong in the playoffs, no matter the weird Adam Schefter-mouthpiece campaign about "the worst refs ever!'' ... indeed, they're proving they belong as at halftime at San Francisco, they are hanging with the heavily-favored 49ers, holding a 17-16 lead.

But yes, the Dallas Cowboys are watching. And hoping.

The Cowboys are the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs. They must of course take care of their own business by winning at Tampa on Monday. But on Saturday? They are watching, knowing that lower-seed wins (Seattle is No. 6) increases the possibility of a Dallas home game later ...

Not to mention the potential elimination of a more concerning foe.

No offense, Seahawks. Continued success in the second half!

JAN 13 THREE ALL-PROS Micah Parsons and Zack Martin have been selected as first-team AP All-Pros this season, with receiver CeeDee Lamb named a second-team All-Pro.

Martin has now been a first-team All-Pro and six times and has been on the All-Pro team every year of his career except for 2020 when he was injured.

Parsons has been a first-team All-Pro in both of his first two seasons.

This marks Lamb’s first All-Pro honor.

JAN 11 DAMAR CATCHING ON Does anybody in sports understand the power of marketing better than the "America's Team'' Dallas Cowboys?

Maybe not.

But Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin sure gets it.

Hamlin was officially released from Buffalo General Medical Center on Wednesday, as he continues on the road to recovery just nine days after suffering from cardiac arrest in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.

But as Hamlin begins to rehab, he's also looking to secure ownership over a few of the phrases that became famous across the country as he began to recover.

Hamlin is applying for two trademarks on the phrases "Did We Win" and "Three is Back," per reports Wednesday from TMZ Sports.

He also plans to use these phrases for "motivational and educational speakers in the field of self- and personal improvement" and "health care services in the nature of athletic training."

Hamlin's "Did We Win?"phrase was reported as being one of the first things he asked in writing one he woke up in the days following his cardiac arrest.

"Yes Damar, you won," Dr. Timothy Pritts said. "You won the game of life."

And now that he's getting healthier? Hamlin looks to keep winning.

JAN 9 2023 SCHEDULE Home: The next thing the Dallas Cowboys need to do in 2023 is play at Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.

But then, in the actual 2023 season? We've got the opponents lined up. to wit ...

HOME - Rams, Seahawks, Patriots, Jets, Eagles, Giants, Commanders, Lions.

AWAY - Cardinals, Bills, Panthers, Chargers, Dolphins, 49ers, Eagles, Giants, Commanders.

The two jump-out points: Dallas at Buffalo and Dallas at San Francisco is marquee-matchup stuff.

JAN 7 RHODES TO DALLAS The Cowboys' search for help at cornerback continues.

The Cowboys are signing veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes to their practice squad, per NFL Network.

Rhodes was waived by the Bills this week after signing on with Buffalo following a solid career with the Colts for the former first-rounder.

Rhodes, a three-time Pro Bowler and 2017 First-Team All-Pro selection, signed with the Bills practice squad on Sept. 28 before being activated to the 53-man roster on Nov. 26. The 32-year-old recorded statistics in two games this season, as he had two total tackles in the 31-23 win over the Cleveland Browns in Detroit on Nov. 20 before totaling two more tackles in the 24-10 Thursday night win over the New England Patriots in Foxboro.

Before joining the Bills, Rhodes played seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts after being the No. 25 overall pick out of Florida State in 2013.

Rhodes will begin on the Dallas p-squad with a chance to jump up as the team progresses toward the postseason. The Cowboys are using youngsters DaRon Bland and Nahshon Wright at the corners opposite Trevon Diggs, with a relative vet newcomer Trayvon Mullen, the Raiders-ex, possibly in the mix on Sunday at Washington.

JAN 6 HURTS 'TRENDING' Looks like we might expect Jalen Hurts back in the Philadelphia Eagles' starting lineup this weekend as they play to hang onto the No. 1 seed in the NFC ... with the Cowboys still giving chase.

Hurts has missed the last two games with a bum shoulder, but the Eagles need to beat the New York Giants at home on Sunday to wrap up the NFC East and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Should they lose, with Dallas winning?

The Cowboys jump up.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni didn't flat out say today that Hurts will start this weekend, but he continued to say things are looking up.

Gardner Minshew started the last two games for the Eagles, back-to-back losses to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.

The Giants, meanwhile, are locked into the No. 6 playoff seed with no real incentive to risk injuries, so key starters might sit.

That game starts at 3:25 p.m. CT time on Sunday, as does Cowboys at Washington, where Dallas plans to play to win ... just in case.

JAN 2 TONY POLLARD BACK Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, who missed the win at the Titans with his thigh injury, will practice on Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday as the team preps for the regular-season finale at Washington.

Pollard, a first-time Pro Bowler, is 12 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season as he shares backfield dues for the playoff-bound Cowboys with Ezekiel Elliott.

The Cowboys will not have Leighton Vander Esch available this week, but the Cowboys is talking about a three-starter "Welcome Back'' for the playoffs. Read more here.

JAN 1 SCARY SCENE were The Eagles are experiencing problems at home today in their Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints ... with a Josh Sweat injury a primary concern.

Sweat, who has 11 sacks so far this season, was carried off the field against the Saints on Sunday in what is being described as a "scary scene.''

The cart came out for Sweat and he was placed on a stretcher and has been taken to the hospital. The team says he has "movement in all extremities."

Meanwhile, the favored Eagles trail 13-0 as halftime approaches.

JAN 1 HURTS OUT The Dallas Cowboys did what they had to do Thursday night, as the 27-13 win over the Tennessee Titans kept their hopes alive for the NFC East title and maybe conference’s top playoff seed.

Today? More hope.

The Cowboys (12-4) realize they need help, beginning with the New Orleans Saints upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) on Sunday - and now we know that QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) will sit this one out.

Should it happen that Philly loses here, then the final week of the regular season in the NFC East will be a doozy.

“This is what the league wanted with putting the division games at the end and I think it’s awesome,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “You look around the league and I’m looking forward to watching football this weekend ... so this is the way it’s supposed to be.

“We’ve just got to keep playing. The biggest thing – and obviously we want the Saints to win – is we want to line up and play for as much as we possibly can when we line up in Washington. I think that’ll be the best situation for us.”

The Eagles finish against the New York Giants, who are battling for a Wild Card spot. The Commanders also have designs on the playoffs. Should the Cowboys win at Washington and the Eagles fall in their last two, Dallas would win the division and at least host a first-round playoff game.

But if Philly clinches this week? Yes, Dallas will consider resting guys at Washington.

Conceded McCarthy: "I think I should probably answer that (question on) Monday for you.”

DEC 31 COWBOYS WATCHING Saints at Eagles matters to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 ... and the status of Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurts are therefore worth watching as well.

Hurts is listed as "doubtful,'' meaning it is likely that Philly will again use Gardner Minshew at QB as the Eagles need one win to seal the NFC East title and keep playoff-bound Dallas behind them.

Dallas is hoping the Eagles lose twice ... and the banged-up Kamara can help make that happen. He wasn't present for practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but on Friday, Saints coach Dennis Allen provided an update on his star running back.

"He'll be ready to go this weekend," Allen said.

Good, the Cowboys might say in reply.

DEC 30 NEW O-LINE ISSUE? The injury to center Tyler Biadasz is being termed a "serious'' one ... meaning the playoff-bound Cowboys' O-line depth is about to be tested.

Biadasz, the starting center, got rolled up on in the win at the Titans on Thursday and needed to be carted to the locker room ... and when he returned to the sideline it was in a walking boot. 

The early diagnosis is a high ankle sprain, which could mean a month or more of him out.

If he is lost for any significant time - maybe for the season - the Cowboys will likely go forward with the group that finished the 27-13 win at Tennessee, with left guard Connor McGovern sliding over to play center, with rookie left tackle Tyler Smith moving to left guard and Jason Peters coming off the bench to play left tackle.

Peters, 40, could also play guard, but one concern with him is that Dallas seems to prefer to play him in spots - maybe in deference to his age - rather than ask him to play 65 snaps a game.

But that might have to change, because with Biadasz out, something is.

DEC 29 COWBOYS 2 MOVES The Cowboys are at Tennessee tonight and have elevated center Brock Hoffman and running back Qadree Ollison from the practice squad to the active roster.

The Hoffman move is a repeat from last week, though he might be in play tonight if the Cowboys - a 13-point favorite against the mail-it-in Titans - get a fat lead.

Meanwhile, Ollison is in play because the Cowboys are ruling out Tony Pollard (thigh) for the game, with Ezekiel Elliott and Malik Davis the top backs for this game.

DEC 28 TACO OUT Taco Charlton keeps on keepin' on in his NFL career, though he will now have to find himself another home in the NFL as he's been officially waived by the Bears.

Charlton, 28, was selected by the Cowboys with the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending two seasons with the Cowboys as a part-time starter, Charlton had brief stints with the Dolphins, Chiefs, Steelers, Saints and Bears.

In 60 career games, Charlton has 95 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

DEC 27 JAWS II? The Cowboys determined last spring that Blake Jarwin's hip ailments would likely not allow him to operate as an NFL player any longer.

The Philadelphia Eagles seem to disagree.

There are now some travel issues, apparently, but it is being reported that the Eagles are bringing in the former Cowboys tight end for a workout.

The 28-year-old "Jaws'' may now have that session on Wednesday.

In his best year with Dallas in 2019, Jarwin caught 31 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns. The plan at one time was for Jarwin and close friend Dalton Schultz to be what they called a "two-headed monster'' in the Cowboys offense.

But multiple injuries, including an ACL tear suffered in Week 1 of the 2020 season, and then most troubling an "unusual'' hip injury requiring surgery in March seemed to spell the end for the 6-5, 260-pound talent.

Philadelphia has Dallas Goedert at the top of its depth chart ... but what a wild twist if a future Cowboys obstacle to success is represented by old pal Jarwin in green as the two NFC East rivals joust for playoff supremacy.

DEC 25 ERIN HELPS D A sideline video of FOX reporter Erin Andrews is going viral after she recorded a "pass defensed'' in Saturday afternoon's game.

Andrews was stationed on the sideline during the Cowboys vs. Eagles game in which Dallas beat Philadelphia, 40-34, at home on Christmas Eve. The losing QB was Gardner Minshew, subbing for an injured Jalen Hurts and part of an Eagles offense that was victimized by four Dallas takeaways ...

And Andrews' "big play.''

"Gardner Minshew hits a wide open @ErinAndrews," one fan joked on social media.

Andrews responded: "I married a hockey player. Hit it with my wrist and move on. Hot."

The Cowboys improved to 11-4 on the season with Saturday's win over the Eagles, who dropped to 13-2 with the loss.

DEC 22 MICAH BACK Cowboys star Micah Parsons is back in building and "feeling much better," per coach Mike McCarthy, and "will do everything'' in practice today after two missed practices due to illness as 10-4 Dallas preps for the Christmas Eve visit from the Eagles.

Philly QB Jalen Hurts, meanwhile, will not play, according to the 13-1 Eagles, who will start Gardner Minshew on Saturday.

DEC 20 EAGLES' MINSHEW TO SPEAK AT LEACH FUNERAL Eagles backup quarterback Gardner Minshew was excused from Philadelphia's Tuesday walkthrough so he could attend and speak at Mike Leach's funeral.

Minshew played for Leach at Washington State and expressed how deep his relationship was with the recently-passed coach.

“He was the first person I’ve ever been around who, just by the way he lived and how authentic he was, brings that out in the people around him,” Minshew said, via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I never found myself more comfortable with myself than when I was with coach Leach. The way he believed in me — that belief, that’s something that really resonates, and that’s something I tell any parent, coach, teacher. The best thing you can do for a kid is believe in him. And he did that for me, and it changed my life.”

Minshew may get the start against the Cowboys on Saturday after Jalen Hurts suffered a sprained shoulder in the Eagles' 25-20 win over the Bears on Sunday.

DEC 18 JERRY TO OBJ  tWe know that along with the Cowboys signing of T.Y. Hilton last Monday, there were continued talks with Odell Beckham Jr., with the tone and purpose being described as "AAAA.''

We also know that owner Jerry Jones has been quite open about wanting both of them, and of continuing his pursuit of the rehabbing OBJ, going so far as to say, "Odell is joining us.''

But there is one more reality here: This is no longer a Stephen Jones concern or a Will McClay concern or a Mike McCarthy thing or a "cap department'' thing.

It's all Jerry.

Reports NFL Network: "Since Beckham left Dallas after his free-agent visit, it has been Jones speaking to him directly almost exclusively, discussing a possible signing.

This doesn't necessarily mean others at The Star don't share Jerry's enthusiasm for the idea. ... though some of Jones' top lieutenants likely view OBJ (due to his questionable availability) as a back-burner idea. But it does fortify our belief that Jerry, age 80, has "The Itch,'' and that he wants to put his personal stamp on something impactful.

DEC 16 RANDY RETURNS? Explosive pass rusher Randy Gregory is return to the field again after a nine-week stretch on IR, maybe as soon as Sunday against the visiting Cardinals.

And some in Denver view this as a "risk'' ... and maybe as a way for first-year Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett to save his job.

The Broncos are 3-10, maybe the NFL's biggest disappointment after their trade for QB Russell Wilson. The big-money Gregory move hasn't worked, either, in large part due to injury. ... but bottom line is, the former Cowboys end, who left via free agency, has two sacks.

Said Hackett: “We’re looking forward to him hopefully playing on Sunday. We want him to be out there on Sunday. It’s hard to replace a guy like that. He’s a presence. How he attacks the edge, sets the edge, and rushes the passer—that’s something that we can really use.”

But, write our guys at Mile High Huddle: "With the Broncos now out of playoff contention, bringing the 30-year-old back at this juncture is bound to raise questions. ... Hackett’s desire to get Gregory back this season is understandable, especially considering how losing key players has contributed so heavily towards him likely being a one-and-done head coach in Denver. ... Hackett's enthusiasm to restore Gregory to the lineup is bound to be driven by his own self-preservation. ... (Injury risk) makes Gregory's return somewhat of a risky proposition.''

DEC 14 REINFORCEMENTS The Dallas Cowboys have claimed cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who the Arizona Cardinals waived on Tuesday. The signing of Mullen comes after the Cowboys lost starting corner Anthony Brown to a season-ending injury suffered against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Mullen, 25, is a former second-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft. He's 6-2 and 201 and played at Clemson.

DEC 14 RUSH IN, LONGHORN OUT The Cowboys, as reported exclusively by CowboysSI.com, hosted massive defensive tackle Anthony Rush for a Tuesday visit here at The Star and now the signing of him to the practice squad is official.

The club is also releasing linebacker Malik Jefferson, the former Texas Longhorn, from the practice squad.

DEC 13 NEW DT? Anthony Rush - 6-5, 350, age 26 - is visiting the Cowboys today as the team searches for help now that vet defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (pec) is injured for rest of regular season.

Rush came into the league as an UDFA rookie in 2019 out of UAB and has made a series of stops, mostly as a practice-squadder - with three different stints with the Eagles.

DEC 12 KYLER DOWN Kyler Murray was carted off the field after suffering what appeared to be a non-contact leg injury in the early going of the Cardinals' "Monday Night Football'' meeting with the New England Patriots.

Murray, a DFW native and the centerpiece of the Cardinals team, was according to ESPN's reporting "sobbing'' as he was taken off the field. 

Murray was scrambling on the third play of the game Monday night and was trying to make a move on a defender when his leg buckled.

As he was moved to the cart, Murray - as a high schooler in Allen, Texas a three-time state champion with an undefeated record - was met by players from the Cardinals and Patriots offering encouragement.

Colt McCoy has entered to play quarterback for the 4-8 Cardinals against the 6-6 Pats.

DEC 12 LEACH HEART ATTACK The latest on Mike Leach ...

"Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach had a massive heart attack on Sunday in Starkville and was transferred to University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where he is still being cared for on Monday," the Clarion Ledger reported on Monday morning.

The paper cited sources in reporting that Leach, 61, "collapsed at his home in Starkville, but did not receive medical attention for between 10 to 15 minutes. EMTs used a defibrillator machine and delivered multiple shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.''

Leach, the former Texas Tech coach, was then transported by helicopter to UMMC.

Leach is presently surrounded by family.

Our thoughts continue to be with the Leach family at this time.

DEC 11 LEACH HOSPITALIZED Mississippi State announced on Sunday afternoon that Mike Leach, the innovative former Texas Tech football coach, has been rushed to the hospital, and it seems there is a level of seriousness to Leach's illness that is causing friends and colleagues to ask for prayers.

In a statement, Mississippi State said "Leach had a personal health issue at his home earlier today ... That issue led to a decision to transfer Coach Leach to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson by ambulance.''

Leach, 61, is a colorful and sometimes controversial figure, the "pirate'' having led the Red Raiders to some of the program's highest highs during his time in Lubbock.

For more, read here.

DEC 11 TONY'S TOPS Tiger Woods, in an interview in conjunction with Capital One's The Match, named the best non-professional golfers he's ever played with.

And the winners are ... former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Smoltz has a +1.5 handicap, Romo a +1.6 handicap. 

Last summer, the CBS broadcaster won his third title at the American Century Championship, the popular celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

DEC 9 Jerry Jones is labeling the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform investigation claiming to confirm the alleged "toxic workplace'' overseen by Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders.

"I hope our fans see how politically biased this report is,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Friday. “This report doesn't even come out if the Republicans were in Congress. ... It's that stupid.''

The Republican Oversight Committee has indeed called this a “sham investigation” that was “an egregious waste of taxpayer-funded resources.”

Said Jones: "My point is there is bias all the way through. There are stories behind the stories.''

DEC 8 COACH REDBALL ONCE AGAIN? Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett emerged as a top candidate for the open job at Stanford, and he confirmed the connection late Thursday. ...

But along with the confirmation came a decision announced on Twitter.

Wrote Garrett: "Thanks so much to AD Bernard Muir and everyone at Stanford! While I enjoyed exploring a great opportunity at such a special place, I’m so excited to continue my work at NBC on "Football Night in America'' and with Notre Dame Football!

The former Princeton and NFL quarterback was a finalist for the Duke job a year ago and presently is in his first year working as an analyst for NBC Sports.

DEC 6 REINFORCEMENTS The Cowboys were forced into adding depth at defensive back following a season-ending injury to starting cornerback Anthony Brown. Brown suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday's 54-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts, meaning the Cowboys needed to add help. 

As reported by CowboysSI.com, the Cowboys will sign cornerback Mackensie Alexander to the practice squad after hosting workouts at The Star on Tuesday.

Alexander, a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, was cut after a short stint with the Miami Dolphins in September after sustaining a groin injury. 

Dallas also worked out CB Torry McTyer … and as you may know, did not work out OBJ.

DEC 5 'GOOD VISIT!' Odell Beckham Jr. ... trying to be funny?

OBJ was in Buffalo over the weekend making his free agent visit to the Bills, and on Sunday visited with Von Miller on a Twitch stream. Beckham was asked whether he enjoyed his time in town.

"I had the wings, the lemon pepper was good," Beckham told Miller. "Everything was good, bro. It was a good visit."

And now? It's the Dallas Cowboys, his hosts as you read this are, for Monday and Tuesday meetings. ... who are hoping he has a "good visit'' here in Frisco as well. 

His three-step itinerary is detailed above.