Rod Marinelli, Cowboys Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Dallas Cowboys were a top-five scoring offense this season, but their massive improvement on defense was just as significant to their NFC East division title run.     

America's Team received great news, as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was signed to a new three-year contract to remain in Dallas. David Helman of the team's official site confirmed the news on Thursday:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported the news on Tuesday.

ESPN's Todd Archer relayed the specifics of Marinelli's new deal:

Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com weighed in on the marquee signing:

Marinelli had been linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per Pro Football Talk, where he would've reunited with Lovie Smith and called the defensive plays. It would have been a significant blow to the Cowboys' bid to return to the postseason.

Instead, one of Dallas' biggest offseason priorities has been taken care of by retaining Marinelli.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett reportedly inked a fresh contract of his own Tuesday, per Archer, which is another big win for the organization. However, owner and general manager Jerry Jones will have to work to keep his top offensive assistants in Bill Callahan and Scott Linehan in the fold.  

Keeping critical personnel around is also a major priority. NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray, star receiver Dez Bryant and linebackers Rolando McClain and Justin Durant are among Dallas' key free agents.

To maintain continuity and carry on the exceptional, complementary football the Cowboys played en route to a 12-4 record in 2014, it's vital to hold onto as many assets as possible. Marinelli's deal is a step in that direction.

Another positive is that Marinelli proved he could coach around injuries to the likes of Durant and McClain, not to mention other key contributors in defensive tackle Henry Melton and rookie pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. With another year in Marinelli's system and presumptive upgrades to be made to the roster, Dallas could be even better on defense in 2015 and beyond.