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IRVING, Texas -- Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is staying with the Dallas Cowboys, as are several other coaches and players who ended the season in limbo.
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Coach Bill Parcells said Tuesday that Zimmer told Nebraska officials he was remaining in the pros rather than pursue the head coaching vacancy created when Frank Solich was fired after a 9-3 season. Zimmer was in Lincoln, Neb., on Monday for an interview.
Zimmer will get a raise that will bring his salary to $1 million for next season to remain with the Cowboys, SportsLine.com's Jay Glazer is reporting.
Zimmer has been with the Cowboys for nine seasons. He became defensive coordinator in 2000, and this season his unit gave up the fewest yards in the NFL. He was an assistant at Illinois State, Missouri, and Weber State before jumping to the pros.
Although Zimmer has never been a head coach at any level, Parcells has said several times he would be a good candidate to run an NFL team.
"I think that the future is bright for Mike," Parcells said Tuesday. "He did an excellent job. If your offense or defense is particularly favorable, people begin to take notice of you. I think that is what happened."
Parcells said the Cowboys also are close to retaining the only two assistant coaches with expiring contracts, strength coach Joe Juraszek and kicking coordinator Steve Hoffman.
The team also has begun restocking its roster.
Linebacker Jamal Brooks was re-signed, as were the four members of the practice squad: running back ReShard Lee, punter Mat McBriar, defensive tackle Shaun Smith and offensive lineman Dave Volk.
Offensive lineman Ryan Young had knee surgery Tuesday and linebacker Al Singleton had surgery on both his shoulders. Singleton will need up to three months of recovery time.
