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Cowboys' Jason Garrett: 'Absolutely, I want to be here'

Jason Garrett's contract is up, but the Dallas Cowboys coach isn't entertaining any relocation plans.

"Absolutely, I want to be here," he told reporters Tuesday.

Owner Jerry Jones has been steadfast in his confidence that Garrett would return during the Cowboys' turnaround year, despite the coach's contract expiring at the end of the season.

After three 8-8 seasons sent Garrett to the coaching hot seat entering the season, the Cowboys' 12-4 record and wild-card win cemented the coach's return.

Behind a bruising offensive line, Dallas became one of the most balanced offensive teams in the NFL this season.

"We're proud of the team we've assembled, the staff we've assembled, the players we've brought in here. I think we're building it the right way," Garrett said.

The coach's focus will be in retaining his assistants, whose contracts are also set to expire.

Offensive coordinator Bill Callahan and play-caller Scott Linehan are both reportedly receiving interest from teams for open spots.

Perhaps at the forefront is defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who coaxed stellar play from a maligned unit in 2014. The coordinator has been rumored to be drawing interest from Lovie Smith -- Marinelli's friend and former coaching mate -- in Tampa Bay.

"I would absolutely love to see Rod Marinelli stay here," Garrett said. "He's done a great job for us. ... Absolutely. I express that to him on a daily basis."

Garrett added that Marinelli has also expressed a desire to remain in Dallas.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that if a deal can't be worked out with Marinelli, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz could be a candidate for the gig in Dallas.

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