Monte Kiffin not returning to Cowboys, Steelers start contract talks with Ben Roethlisberger and more NFL news

In other NFL news, Wade Phillips is bringing his 3-4 defense to Denver, the Falcons completed their coaching staff and Malcolm Butler got his new Chevy truck.

by Katie Sharp

Feb 10, 2015, 11:03 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Monte Kiffin will not return to the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff in 2015, sources told ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer on Tuesday. According to the report, Kiffin's expiring contract will not be renewed by the team.

Kiffin was hired two years ago as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, but after struggling through one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history in 2013, the Cowboys promoted Rod Marinelli to the DC position and gave Kiffin the title of assistant coach/defense prior to last season. Kiffin’s role was mostly as an on-field consultant in 2014, with Marinelli firmly entrenched as the primary defensive coach and play-caller.

A source also told Archer that Kiffin would like to continue coaching, but his future on the sidelines is uncertain at this time. The 74-year-old has 28 seasons of experience as an NFL coach, including 13 years as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator (1996-2008), during which his defenses ranked among the top-three in points allowed six times.

Steelers begin contract negotiations with Big Ben

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters on Tuesday that the team has begun preliminary negotiations on a new contract with Ben Roethlisberger. The 32-year-old franchise quarterback is in the final year of a six-year, $88 million contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2016. Roethlisberger ranked third in the NFL this season in passer rating (103.3), yards per attempt (8.1) and completion percentage (67.1 percent), and set a franchise record with 4,952 passing yards.

Broncos will run a 3-4 defense in 2015

The Denver Broncos revamped their coaching staff this offseason, bringing in a new head coach (Gary Kubiak), defensive coordinator (Wade Phillips) and offensive coordinator (Rick Dennison). The team will also be making some on-field changes next season as well. Phillips confirmed during a Tuesday press conference that the team will be switching to a 3-4 defensive alignment. Denver lined up in a 3-4 at times under John Fox and DC Jack Del Rio, but will now make the switch full time.

Phillips is entering his 39th season as an NFL coach, mostly recently serving as Houston Texans defensive coordinator from 2011-13.

Falcons add to offensive coaching staff

The Atlanta Falcons officially announced the remainder of their coaching staff additions on Tuesday. The moves include: Keith Carter as assistant offensive line coach, Matt LaFleur as quarterbacks coach, Doug Mallory as defensive assistant/linebackers coach, Marquand Manuel as secondary coach/senior defensive assistant, Mike McDaniel as offensive assistant, Chris Morgan as offensive line coach, Jeff Ulbrich as linebackers coach, and Chad Walker as defensive assistant/defensive backs. Both Manuel and Morgan were in Seattle with new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn last season.

Malcolm Butler gets his truck

New England Patriots cornerback and Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is the proud new owner of a 2015 Chevy Colorado truck, thanks to the generosity of Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Butler looks pretty excited about his new wheels.