Garrett, Cowboys reportedly agree on five-year deal

Jason Garrett said Tuesday that there is nowhere else he’d rather be than with the Dallas Cowboys.

“Absolutely I want to be here,” Garrett said. “I think we’ve built something here that we’re really proud of. We’re all excited about taking the next step with this football team. We’re excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Garrett, who is 41-31 as Dallas head coach, and the Cowboys reached agreement on a new five-year contract, according to reports Tuesday.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli also agreed to a deal to remain with the Cowboys.

Reports surfaced Sunday after the Cowboys’ first 12-win season since 2007 ended amid mild controversy at Green Bay that Marinelli could leave for the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and longtime friend Lovie Smith. There is also interest from other teams in offensive coordinator Bill Callahan and offensive assistant Scott Linehan, who drew high marks in his first season as Cowboys’ play-caller.

“We’re excited about what the future is with this football team,” Garrett said. “I don’t want to get too much into it.”

With Garrett’s contract now apparently in place, the attention turns to other marquee names who could leave Dallas. Two of the team’s centerpieces on offense, All-Pros in wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray, are scheduled to become free agents in March.

“We’re proud of the team we’ve assembled,” Garrett said. “I think we’ve built it the right way.”