Cowboys Probably Will Interview Caldwell As Well As Rivera

MIAMI--Two assistant coaches about to participate in today's Super Bowl likely will interview for the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching job within the next day or two.

The Cowboys appear intent upon interviewing Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, a source familiar with the club's coaching search said.

Rivera's candidacy was reported last week but it had not been clear that the Cowboys would interview Caldwell despite the fact that both candidates were being endorsed by those people in the league connected with the diversity committee. Both are minority candidates. Rivera is Hispanic and Caldwell is African-American.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said at Saturday's Hall of Fame announcement that he might interview two more candidates but he didn't identify them. Jones attended the Hall of Fame news conference, celebrating the election of former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, with two of his head coaching candidates, newly hired Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Turner, a former Cowboys offensive coordinator, is viewed by many people in the league as the front-runner but others say that San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Garrett and perhaps 49ers linebackers coach Mike Singletary remain under consideration. Jones interviewed Singletary last week, then announced Wednesday that he would wait until after the Super Bowl to select a replacement for Bill Parcells.

It's possible that the Cowboys would try to hire Rivera as their defensive coordinator if they choose Turner or Garrett as their head coach. Rivera's contract with the Bears reportedly is expiring.

The Cowboys are the only team in the league with a head coaching vacancy.

By Mark Maske |  February 4, 2007; 5:09 PM ET  | Category:  Bears , Colts , Cowboys , Diversity
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