The end could be coming for Rod Marinelli, in one way or another.

The defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys was deemed safe from attrition this offseason by owner Jerry Jones, who "absolutely" wants him to return alongside offensive coordinator Scott Linehan for the 2018 season. While the latter makes moves beneath him to restructure the offensive coaching staff -- solidifying he is, in fact, going nowhere -- the former isn't quite decided on what his future looks like.

According to Mac Engel of Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Marinelli is contemplating retirement this offseason. Engel furthers the point that even if the veteran coach decides to stick around for one more season, it'll likely be his last.

**Follow @VoiceOfTheStar on Twitter for up-to-the-second news and analysis!**

Marinelli finished 2017 with a top-10 defense in yardage allowed (8th - 318.1 ypg) and No. 1 in the NFL in fumbles forced. The team was only 19th in points allowed though (20.8), most of which is accountable to the games wherein Lee was sidelined. Marinelli can certainly leave with his chin up though, especially considering the pieces he was given to work with since joining the team as defensive line coach in 2013 -- before ascending to the role of defensive coordinator only a year later.

The immediate goal would be to promote linebackers coach/passing game coordinator Matt Eberflus if Marinelli does take his leave from the NFL. The problem there is Eberflus is currently seeing his name make its rounds throughout the league with so much movement potentially set to occur within teams like the New England Patriots, amongst others.

The Cowboys are reportedly going to give Marinelli as much time as he needs to come to a decision yet they'll have to be careful as that could not only cost them Marinelli himself, but also his immediate heir.

The Cowboys are heading to the offseason with lots of questions. Don’t miss any breaking news, take a second to sign up for our FREE Cowboys newsletter