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Cowboys set to add Sanjay Lal as receivers coach

Sanjay Lal has coached in the NFL since 2007, most recently with the Colts after stops with the Bills, Jets and Raiders. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys will hire Sanjay Lal as wide-receivers coach, according to multiple sources.

Lal interviewed with the Cowboys last week, but he had drawn interest from the Oakland Raiders and had a chance to remain with the Indianapolis Colts.

Lal, 48, was with the Colts for just one season after a two-year run with the Buffalo Bills and three years with the New York Jets. He broke into the NFL in 2007 with the Raiders and became their receivers coach in 2009.

Lal will replace Derek Dooley, who left to become the offensive coordinator at Missouri. Dooley had coached Dallas' wide receivers since 2013. Former Cowboys receiver Miles Austin, who has worked in the scouting department the past two seasons, also interviewed for the position.

Lal will inherit a group that could look a lot different by the time the 2018 season begins. Dez Bryant is under contract for two more years, but the Cowboys could look for Bryant to take a pay cut or risk getting released. Terrance Williams signed a four-year deal with the team last year and his base salary is guaranteed. Cole Beasley is entering the final year of his contract, while Brice Butler will be a free agent. The Cowboys also had Ryan Switzer and Noah Brown on the 53-man roster at the end of the season.

The Colts had quarterback issues for most of the season, but lead receiver T.Y. Hilton had 966 yards and averaged 16.9 yards per catch with four touchdowns. In Buffalo, Lal oversaw the development of Sammy Watkins, who had more than 1,000 yards in 2015.

Lal becomes the second new coach to join Jason Garrett’s staff, with offensive-line coach Paul Alexander coming on board Monday. A source said running-backs coach Gary Brown is expected to return to the Cowboys, but the team has openings at tight ends, special teams, linebackers, secondary and quarterbacks coaches.