NFC East Notebook, Jan. 3: Home-field advantage is back at the Linc

We're just hours from the start of the NFL playoffs, and the NFC East will be represented by the Eagles, who kickoff at 8 p.m. against the New Orleans Saints.

The rest of the division, meanwhile, is pondering which members of the staff will or won't be around next season.

Here's the latest from around the NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys

A third consecutive 8-8 season will certainly result in some change, as long as Jerry Jones is pulling the strings. One potential move on the coaching staff could be a split with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.

Reports indicate Marinelli could rejoin Lovie Smith, the new coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Marinelli spent four years on Smith's staff with the Chicago Bears, but the Cowboys would have to OK any moves first.

Marinelli could be out, but who is going to stay?

Both Anthony Spencer and Jason Hatcher are impending free agents on the defensive line, but can the organization afford to retain both?

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL's leading rusher in 2013, LeSean McCoy also was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.

Shady rushed for 598 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and totaled five touchdowns on the month. His historic season marked several new franchise records, including most yardage from scrimmage by an Eagles back.

The Eagles struggled at the Linc all of 2012 and at the start of this year, but perhaps home-field advantage is back in Philadelphia.

The Eagles have knocked off the Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears in recent weeks, finishing up the year with a 4-0 mark at home. That of course does not bode well for the Saints, who are just 3-5 away from the Super Dome this season.

Washington Redskins

The search for a new coach in D.C. is officially underway. According to numerous reports, the team ahs set up official interviews with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell.

Washington has requested permission to interview Giants' defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, and have rumored interest in Cincinnati Bengals assist Hue Jackson.

Head coach is just one part of the Skins' offseason makeover plan. As for the now-departed Mike Shanahan, reports indicate the 61-year-old former coach of the Redskins and Denver Broncos is likely done in the NFL. No team with a coaching vacancy has interest in Shanahan, and all of the drama that ensued between him and the organization does not bode well for his chances of landing a new gig.