http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2741032

According to Cowboys sources, Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett was interviewing Wednesday with Dallas owner Jerry Jones to become the team's offensive coordinator.

Garrett left the Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Ala., early Wednesday morning aboard a commercial flight to Dallas to meet with the Cowboys at their Valley Ranch team facility.

Garrett is the first coach from outside the organization known to have been interviewed directly since Bill Parcells resigned on Monday. The Cowboys are operating under a deadline imposed by the Dolphins. According to a league source, the Dolphins gave the Cowboys permission to approach Garrett but have insisted they make a decision by Thursday.


The Cowboys' plan for replacing Parcells at this point is to determine whether Garrett as offensive coordinator can call plays, develop the offensive scheme and manage the offensive coaching staff and the players -- particularly Terrell Owens. If it is determined that Garrett, who has never called plays, can handle that much responsibility, then the Cowboys are expected to pursue San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to replace Parcells. If Jones decides that Garrett is not quite ready for that role, he would be hired as offensive coordinator and then paired with Norv Turner, who can handle the overall offense.


Garrett is a former backup to Troy Aikman whom Jones believes has the potential to become the Cowboys' head coach in two to three years.


The Cowboys have declared that finding the coaches who can develop young Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo to be a point of emphasis in replacing Parcells.

Ed Werder covers the NFL for ESPN.