Cowboys get permission to talk to Turner

Cowboys get permission to talk to Turner
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Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com

The Dallas Cowboys' search for a successor to Bill Parcells has led them back to one of their former assistant coaches.

FOXSports.com has learned that the Cowboys have called for and received permission to interview 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner for their head coaching post. Niners coach Mike Nolan told FOXSports.com Wednesday night that he was very hopeful of keeping Turner, but expected Dallas to come calling. That call came Thursday morning.

Turner has been a head coach in Washington and Oakland after a successful stint as Jimmy Johnson's offensive coordinator in Dallas at the start of the last decade.

Dallas has already hired an offensive coordinator in Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach and former Cowboys quarterback Jason Garrett. There is some thinking that Dallas would hire Turner to groom not only quarterback Tony Romo, but to help prepare Garrett to eventually become the head coach in Dallas.

The Cowboys have also received permission to interview Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, although Phillips said Wednesday night he was unsure what day he was interviewing for the opening. Likewise, the Niners have not yet been told when Turner will interview for the job.

Other names linked to the job include Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Seattle assistant head coach Jim Mora and either or both of the Bears' coordinators