120 replies to this topic

[Jaymze13]

Jones may turn to Norv Turner

09:50 PM CST on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tim Cowlishaw

Before we leap ahead and think about where Jerry Jones and the Cowboys may be heading, let's take one last look back at where they have been.

Nowhere.

Not with Bill Parcells. No coach in club history has failed to meet expectations as spectacularly as Parcells' crash.

Don't throw Dave Campo in my face. First, there weren't the greatest of expectations when he came on board.

Second, after Troy Aikman and Joey Galloway went down with injuries in Campo's first game, Jones basically let Campo preside over a shrinking roster digging its way out from salary cap hell the next three seasons.

When the team was ready to surface and plunge back into free-agency and a reasonable amount of spending, that's when Parcells took his cue and entered stage left.

Four years later, no playoff wins and teams that repeatedly implode in December would have forced Jones' hand had Parcells not stepped aside on his own.

I thought three weeks ago when the regular season ended that Jones had seen enough of Parcells and that he wouldn't be back. Didn't really know what to make of Parcells going to the office for two weeks, but I never thought Jones was going to lose this power struggle with a now powerless coach.

The best part was Parcells' exit statement, which requires a small amount of reading between the lines.

After thanking the Jones family and his players and coaches, Parcells thanked "others in the support group who had done so much to help."

You're welcome.

Loved the "Dallas is a great city" line, too. Parcells was never spotted south of the Irving Mall during his entire stay.

And of course he noted that he "leaves with nothing but good feeling and gratitude."

And, oh yeah, close to $20 million in earnings while extending the club's streak of failure to win playoff games to a record 10 seasons.

It's because of the manner in which Jones selected Parcells (at the repeated urges of critics from all corners to hire an expert and get out of the way) that we know Jones isn't traveling that road again.

No $5 million a year for Bob Stoops, which would be a significant risk, anyway, despite his Oklahoma record.

No $7 million plus draft picks or whatever it might take to get Bill Cowher back on the sidelines in 2007.

This time I think Jones takes the path of least resistance. He's not going to bring in a powerful head coach or one that is going to insist on cleaning house of all the assistants under contract for next season.

I think most of the current staff stays. It's possible he promotes a head coach from within, but it won't be a surprise if Jones bites the bullet and dials up 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Dallas is the only NFL city where the twice-failed Turner might get Opportunity No. 3. Jones, who has in the past indicated a lack of willingness to hire Turner as a head coach, might conclude it's the best short-term alternative for the team.

In a brief conversation with Jimmy Johnson on Tuesday (and when we're talking brief by his standards, I mean I've had coughs that lasted longer), Jones' original coach indicated that Turner might have a shot at the job.

In a business where luck and timing play enormous roles, Turner's no more a sure bet to fail in Dallas than Parcells was a sure thing to succeed.

So in a best-of-a-bad situation way, it works for Jones.

A grateful Turner arrives in Dallas and rebuilds the confidence of Tony Romo. The defensive coaches who may have been hampered by Parcells' resistance to take risks (or who maybe just can't coach) get one more season to see if they can make the 3-4 viable.

By waiting two weeks, Parcells actually has done Jones a favor. There were five teams fighting over a thinned out field of candidates when the season ended. Now Arizona, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Miami have their men. And Oakland has its boy – 31-year-old Lane Kiffin, whose father Monte has been a successful coordinator for about 20 years without ever getting a head coaching spot.

Jones has the playing field to himself. It may not be much of a field, but he need not hurry. The spotlight is his for as long as he wants to take, which tells me the Cowboys won't have a coach until after the Super Bowl.

That's the big stage that Jones so enjoys playing – even if he can't figure out how to get his team there any more.

[Jaymze13]

Now what, Jerry?

For sixth time, owner left to ponder strategy for hiring head coach

05:41 AM CST on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – When Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones arrived at Valley Ranch on Monday, he fully expected to meet with Bill Parcells and fly with the coach to Mobile, Ala., in the afternoon for Senior Bowl practices.

Instead, Jones was in the beginning stages of a coaching search.

With Parcells' resignation, Jones will be looking for the Cowboys' sixth head coach since purchasing the team in 1989.

The options are many.

He could look to the college ranks, like he did the first year, when he brought his former Arkansas teammate, Jimmy Johnson, to Dallas.

Or he could look for an offensive-minded assistant coach in the NFL, like he did in 1998, when he brought Chan Gailey to the Cowboys. One goal of hiring such a coach would be to help with the development of quarterback Tony Romo.

Or he could look for a defensive-minded assistant, like he did in 2000, when he promoted Dave Campo. This could help cure a defense that has talent but lacked results in 2006.

One thing Jones does not have is a timetable.

The Cowboys are the sixth team looking for a coach this year. Four of those teams have hired new coaches: Atlanta (Bobby Petrino), Pittsburgh (Mike Tomlin), Arizona (Ken Whisenhunt) and Miami (Cam Cameron). Oakland is looking for a coach.

The biggest splash Jones could make would be to lure Bill Cowher out of retirement, just weeks after he left Pittsburgh, with an enormous contract. But the Cowboys would have to come up with compensation to sign the ex-Steelers coach.

Tennessee's Jeff Fisher was mentioned as a possibility earlier in the season, but the Titans picked up his $5.4 million option for 2007. To land him, the Cowboys would have to give compensation as well.

Pittsburgh assistant head coach Russ Grimm and Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera interviewed with a number of teams the last two seasons. Rivera would not be able to speak with the Cowboys until after the Bears play in Super Bowl XLI.

Other former head coaches, like Jim Mora, who recently joined Seattle after being fired by Atlanta, and Houston's Mike Sherman, who coached at Green Bay, could be in the mix.

While Jones did not address the media Monday, he said in the past he would not be against hiring a college coach. But he has indicated he isn't sure he would want to go through a learning curve if he went that route again.

Miami interviewed Southern Cal's Pete Carroll, who was interested because the position came with complete control. In Dallas, Jones would continue to call the shots. Notre Dame's Charlie Weis, a Parcells assistant in New York and New England, has a mega-million-dollar buyout in his contract, making a move prohibitive.

As for the NFL assistant route, Norv Turner, the Cowboys' offensive coordinator from 1991-93 who worked as San Francisco's coordinator this season, could be a possibility. Another could be San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who runs the 3-4 scheme the Cowboys have used the last two seasons.

Reached at the Senior Bowl, Phillips declined comment.

A source close to Turner said he would have interest in becoming the Cowboys' coach, especially since he could work with a young quarterback like Romo. Turner has a 58-82-1 record in stops in Washington and Oakland, but his record can be somewhat tied to circumstance.

The Redskins have had just one winning record since Turner was let go as coach late in the 2000 season, and the Raiders are looking for their third coach in as many years, having fired Art Shell.

As the Cowboys' offensive coordinator, Turner helped them win two Super Bowls and develop Troy Aikman into a Hall of Fame quarterback. The thought of Turner receiving a third chance is not far-fetched.

Phillips posted a 48-39 record in stops at Denver, Buffalo, Atlanta and New Orleans. He has spent the last three years as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. The Chargers finished the season ranked 10th defensively.

San Diego led the NFL with 61 sacks, including a league-high 17 from All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman. In 2005, the Chargers led the league in rushing defense.

"I think he'd be an outstanding choice," said Bum Phillips, Wade's father, former coach of the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. "He's an experienced head coach in professional football. I really believe that an experienced professional football coach has a better chance of leading professional football players. College coaches can handle kids that are 19 or 20. That's a big difference from handling guys that are 29 or 35. It's not X's and O's. It's handling people."

With Romo, Jones could choose to keep continuity with an offensive staff that helped the Cowboys average 26.6 points per game, fourth in the NFL.

The only in-house assistant with NFL head coaching experience is quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, who served as coach in Cleveland's return to the NFL in 1999 and 2000. Before joining the Cowboys in 2005, linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni was Syracuse's head coach for 14 years, and running game coordinator Tony Sparano was head coach at the University of New Haven (Conn.) from 1994-98.

[Jaymze13]

Cowboys' search starts at home

Jones will talk with three assistants as possible replacements for Parcells

11:07 PM CST on Tuesday, January 23, 2007
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – The first full day of the Cowboys' coaching search began Tuesday, and Jerry Jones' focus was on the coaches he knows best.

According to several sources, Jones met with offensive assistants Tony Sparano and Todd Haley as well as secondary coach Todd Bowles as possible replacements for Bill Parcells, who resigned Monday.

Sparano, Haley and Bowles are all under contract with the Cowboys through 2007. Sparano is the only one of the three with head coaching experience, spending five years at Division II New Haven (1994-98).

A day after he retired, Parcells was at Valley Ranch. He is serving as a sounding board for Jones, who is looking for his fifth head coach in 18 years.

According to the agents for former NFL head coaches Wade Phillips, Mike Martz, Mike Sherman and Jim Mora, they have not been contacted yet by the Cowboys. Phillips said he is interested in the job.

At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Martz, who spent last season as Detroit's offensive coordinator, also said he would be interested in the position. In six years with St. Louis, Martz had a 53-32 record and made the playoffs four times, including a trip to Super Bowl XXXVI where the Rams lost to New England.

Martz and Jones got to know each other from their work with the NFL's competition committee.

A name to keep an eye on is former Cowboys' quarterback Jason Garrett, who is Miami's quarterbacks coach. Jones has admired Garrett for some time and his father, Jim, was a long-time scout for the Cowboys.

Garrett could be a possibility as an offensive coordinator, although the Dolphins would have to release him from his contract. Earlier this month, Miami denied Cleveland permission to speak with Garrett regarding its coordinator position. Reached in Mobile, Ala., on Tuesday, Garrett declined comment.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who is under contract with Tennessee in 2007, won't be a candidate for the Cowboys' job.

"We haven't been contacted by Dallas," Titans chief executive officer Steve Underwood said in a statement Tuesday. "In the event that we were, there are no circumstances that we would grant permission to the Cowboys to speak with coach Fisher."

On the college front, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops took his name out of contention before it was really even in it.

"To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time," Stoops said in a statement. "I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we're continuing to build."

National signing day is Feb. 7.

Sparano joined the Cowboys in 2003, Parcells' first season, as tight ends coach. He was moved to offensive line in 2005 and became the running game coordinator. Sean Payton attempted to bring Sparano with him to New Orleans last year as offensive coordinator, but Parcells blocked the move.

In the end that turned out to be a blessing of sorts for Sparano, who was given the assistant head coach title. He called plays for the Cowboys and oversaw an offense, with Haley, who was promoted to passing game coordinator, that averaged 26.6 points per game and had a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers for only the second time in franchise history.

Cleveland was recently denied permission to speak with Sparano regarding its offensive line job. Anthony Lynn, who has served as the Cowboys running backs coach the last two seasons, is scheduled to fly to Mobile today and meet with the Browns about an assistant's job.

Haley joined the Cowboys in 2004 as receivers coach after three seasons with Chicago. He has the closest ties to Parcells, having worked for him with the New York Jets from 1997-2000. His father, Dick, was the former director of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971-90 and Jets from 1991-2002.

A fiery coach, Haley and Terrell Owens had several run-ins during the course of the season, but he has a solid relationship with Terry Glenn and former Cowboy Keyshawn Johnson. Arizona has expressed interest in bringing Haley in as an offensive coordinator, but the Cardinals would need permission to speak to him. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Haley worked together with the Jets.

Bowles also has a Parcells' tie, working for the Jets in 2000 as a defensive backs coach when Parcells was the Jets' chief football operating officer. A former defensive back with Washington and San Francisco, he joined the Cowboys in 2005 and is well respected among the players.

Bowles' interview would allow the Cowboys to comply with the NFL's "Rooney Rule," which states that a team with a head coaching vacancy must interview a minority candidate.

Jones has promoted from within before, bumping up Dave Campo from defensive coordinator in 2001. Campo, however, had a 15-33 record as coach, prompting Jones to go after Parcells.

[Jaymze13]

'Boys' page Turner? Norv could be perfect

RANDY GALLOWAY
In My Opinion


For those who have asked, and that's absolutely everyone I came in contact with on Monday, the answer is:

"It will not happen," said Jimmy Johnson. "I've got too good a life going now."

Then, however, came a pause, like maybe the door was going to be left open just a tad.

"No way," added The Jimster, firmly. "I got no desire to leave this for that grind."

And then it was time to crank up the boat, cruise close to his beach home in the Florida Keys, hook a few barracuda, return to the dock, chop up the catch, and toss the pieces into his live lobster tank out back.

A warning to Jerry:

Screw up this new coaching hire, and it will be you instead of barracuda.

Mr. Jones' search for the next head coach of the Cowboys began Monday morning after Bill Parcells sent out his e-mailed retirement speech.

For some, this was considered a great day at Valley Ranch. For me, it was considered a necessary day. It was time. Four years is plenty of time to either produce or leave.

Head 'em out. Move 'em out.

The regret here is it didn't work out with Parcells, but that is also not Jerry's fault. Jerry handled Big Bill's four years almost flawlessly as an owner, by far his best performance ever in a relationship with a head coach. (Don't give me an Eldorado Owens rebuttal. Bill could and should have said no to that fool, or to Jerry's stupid idea to sign Eldo).

Over the past four years here, this was a pretty simple recipe for failure. The players didn't perform, and Parcells didn't produce. Then the head coach was no longer employed. It's an old story in the jock kingdom.

Speaking of stories, there were grassy knoll theories floating around Monday about this departure being a failed contract negotiation. That Parcells was asking for a year or two tacked onto the one year he had left.

I can't confirm or deny, but Big Bill didn't deserve another minute of contract security, much less an extra year.

Count me among those sorry Parcells couldn't get it done here, but not leaving the light on in case he changes his mind.

Bring on the next hire.

Except, this is the scary part, of course. Scary Jerry hasn't got one of these right since the very first one. The Jimster in 1989. Anyone saying it was time for Big Bill to go (like me) has to live with Jones' unfortunate track record.

The first name I'd put in the mix is Norv Turner, currently the offensive coordinator with the 49ers.

"Not the sexy hire I'm sure many fans are looking for," said Jimmy, "but when you have the Tony Romo factor, then everybody had better think hard about Norv Turner.

"Everyone knows how I feel about Norv, but beyond that, I'm taking a look at what you want to happen on offense with Romo. And Norv is the candidate that makes the most sense in that area."

But when you mix in the serious defensive questions, can Turner find the right answers there?

"I don't know," answered Johnson, "but on a list of priorities for the Cowboys, developing Romo is as important as putting the defense back together. Now, can you find the right guy to do both?"

Of course, Turner knows the ropes here, and knows Jerry well. He's not the puppet type, but he can relate to how Jones goes about his business. Never underestimate this. It's all part of the local process.

Tony Romo needs Norv Turner. Julius Jones and Marion Barber need Norv Turner. Norv Turner's offense makes QBs and RBs better, and he did it again this year with Alex Smith and Frank Gore in San Francisco.

One of Norv's offensive disciples, Cam Cameron, just became the new head coach of the Dolphins. Cameron spent four years as Turner's assistant, and runs Norv's offense. Mike Martz was another of Turner's offensive pupils.

But is Turner sexy enough?

He's been fired at Washington and Oakland as head coach.

"Throw out Oakland," said Jimmy. "No one has a prayer there. And Washington, look at the facts."

The facts are that Turner worked for three owners in Washington, the last being the infamous Danny Snyder. Little Danny fired him because he couldn't live up to Joe Gibbs' legacy. But now, Joe Gibbs can't live up to his own legacy.

I talked to Turner on Monday night from Mobile, where he's scouting the Senior Bowl players. Typical of Norv, he would not campaign for the job. But does he want to return to the Cowboys, and try to rebuild the glory days he was such a part of? Yes, and hell yes.

But if Jerry goes for a defensive coach, then there's another problem. Since Parcells stacked the defense with 3-4 type players, and Jones says he's sold on the 3-4, it limits the candidates.

Ron Rivera, defensive coordinator of the Bears, would normally have to be a top candidate, and said Monday he'd love to be considered. But he's a 4-3 guy.

Wade Phillips of the Chargers is one of the best 3-4 coaches, but who would his offensive people be?

And I will also throw a wild card into the mix, just because an NFL coach I respect advised me to give him strong consideration:

Mike Singletary, assistant head coach of the 49ers, and a famous Texas football name.

The Cowboys, by the way, have never won anything without a deep-rooted Texas coach. Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson, of course. Sorry, Barry Switzer, but you don't count in the winning-anything department, although don't take it personal.

At least, however, Norv Turner has deep Valley Ranch ties, without the Texas pedigree. And Wade Phillips, like Singletary, is a native.

OK, I'm stretching it here with the Lone Star blood thing. Just make the right hire. That's all we ask.

Meanwhile, The Jimster is a relocated Texan who has lobsters to feed in the Keys.

He's not coming back.

Jerry, you are officially on the clock. And you're also our version of Jimmy's barracuda if you screw this up.

[Jaymze13]

POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS

Ron Rivera

Bears defensive coordinator

Age: 45

Rivera has become a hot young commodity by building an impressive 4-3 defense in Chicago, which was No. 1 in the league last season. It has been the backbone to the Bears' resurgence.

Wade Phillips

Chargers defensive coordinator

Age: 60

Phillips is one of the league's premier defensive coaches and runs a 3-4 and has plenty of experience. Well-respected in the league and could have the personality to work well with Jones.

Norv Turner

49ers offensive coordinator

Age: 54

Turner is familiar with the Cowboys and could be the perfect mentor for Tony Romo like he was for Troy Aikman. However, he struggled as a head coach for the Redskins and Raiders.

Pete Carroll

USC head coach

Age: 55

Carroll has an extensive NFL coaching background and was head coach of the Jets and Patriots. He's a high-energy motivator and turned USC into a power in quick fashion.

Bill Cowher

Former Steelers coach

Age: 49

Is he available? Cowher resigned this month to spend more time with his family. He isn't burned out and didn't use the word retired but he is under contract to Pittsburgh for 2007.

TUNA HELPERS?

Though he was basically a .500 coach during his time coaching the Cowboys, Bill Parcells did leave behind some nice pieces to build around...

QB Tony Romo Could finally be a long-term solution.

RBs Marion Barber and Julius Jones Both have proved they can produce, even with poor line play.

TE Jason Witten One of the best at his position.

LB DeMarcus Ware Has a chance to be an elite defensive playmaker.

...but some might remember Parcells' tenure more for his misses:

T Ryan Young Signed in 2003, struggled with a knee injury and was released in 2004.

T Jacob Rogers Second-rounder from USC in 2004 is out of league.

G Stephen Peterman Third-rounder from LSU in 2004 is a reserve with Lions.

G Marco Rivera Signed in 2005, but a back injury and age have taken toll.

K Mike Vanderjagt Big-name kicker was released in November.

S Marcus Coleman Signed in April, cut in November.

[Jaymze13]

Let's preface this by saying that we know all too good and well that a big time coach's word means nearly nothing anymore, but here's the supposed official statement from Stoops (who I wouldn't mind seeing eventually come to Dallas, but maybe not this next season):

---

Stoops: Not interested in Cowboys job

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

IRVING - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might test the collegiate ranks for a new coach, but it won’t be at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops issued a statement Tuesday saying he isn’t interested in any other coaching vacancies at this time.

“To end speculation here in the heart of recruiting, I want to make it clear that I am not interested in any other coaching positions at this time,” Stoops said. “I am too excited about our future at Oklahoma and the program we’re continuing to build.”

The Cowboys are searching for a head coach after Bill Parcells retired on Monday.

Stoops just completed his eighth season. He owns an overall mark of 86-19 and four Big 12 Championships, including the 2006 league title, and one national championship.

[Jaymze13]

Give Parcells credit for reviving a dog

GIL LeBRETON
In My Opinion


The line forms quickly, apparently.

Bill Parcells hasn't yet cleaned out his Valley Ranch desk, but already the self-anointed media elite, the fair-weather Cowboys fans and the Terrell Owenses of the world are lining up to spit on his grave.

From Owens, we should have expected as much. A skunk's job is to stink.

Owens told the Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill on Monday that Parcells' coaching style "hurt us."

He likened Parcells to his grandmother. As Owens put it, "You love the person, but they are stuck in their old-school ways."

Nevermind that Owens led the free world this season in dropped passes, and that he never quite learned the nuances of the Cowboys playbook. A classier adult would have wished the coach well and maybe apologized for his inconsistent play and the role it played in the team's disappointing season.

Note to Owner Jones: Get rid of this clown. Your next coach will thank you for it.

Fan and media glee, however, at Parcells' retirement is unbecoming, if not inappropriate.

Do Cowboys fans forget that in the six seasons before Parcells arrived, the team had posted a plus-.500 record only once? Do they remember that he inherited Quincy Carter as his starting quarterback and that his No. 1 rusher was Troy Hambrick?

Parcells brought the franchise back into the national spotlight, and for that Owner Jones got his money's worth in more ways than he probably admits. Parcells leaves behind a better team than the one he saw upon arrival.

Cowboys fans perennially overrate their team's chances. An objective voice would say that the Cowboys were 9-7 and, as a wise old coach once said, you are what you are. Had Tony Romo been able to execute a simple placement on the would-be game-winning field goal in Seattle, the Cowboys probably would have been NFC semifinalists.

To call Parcells' time here, therefore, a failure is both silly and unfounded. As late as the first Sunday in December, some of these same media had anointed the Cowboys as the best team in the NFC.

The Cowboys weren't. The only failure is that as the team spiraled down the stretch, losing four of its final five games, Parcells couldn't stop the bleeding.

Easy, neighbor. Teams that replace a veteran starting quarterback with an untested, first-year one in midseason are not supposed to finish anywhere near the goal line in the final seconds of a first-round NFL playoff game.

Consider this: Had Romo gotten the snap on the ground, next season's Cowboys likely would have been among the NFC's preseason favorites.


As head coach, Parcells carved a unique relationship with the local media. No Cowboys coach since Tom Landry devoted more time, talking in front of the cameras and microphones, than Parcells.

Yet, it apparently rankled some that Parcells would not grant one-on-one interviews with the local media, nor would he allow his assistant coaches to be questioned during the season. Yes, the man had his heavy thumb on almost everything. But it's hard to claim that a head coach who chatted with the media for half-hours at a time, three or four times per week, all broadcast on live local radio, was an ogre whose old-school ways were undermining the franchise.

He was, until the very end, an intriguing study. A lion in prairie winter.

Ultimately, it seems, the lion lost his zest not for the feast, but for the hunt. And isn't that, in the end, what prompted Owner Jones and Jimmy Johnson to part ways 13 years ago?

Jones needs to find a coach who won't plow what's already been planted. The Cowboys already have the makings of a good defense. But the Romo questions will have to be resolved. The offensive line still needs help. The receiving corps needs a true game-breaker.

Parcells' prolonged self-examination didn't do Jones any favors, as the Cowboys now search for a successor. But it's laughable to hear that the coaching pool now contains only "second-tier candidates."

Hmm. Let's see. NFL teams have hired Bobby Petrino, Ken Whisenhunt, Cam Cameron, Mike Tomlin and Lane Kiffin. Which of those "first-tier"" candidates should Jones have gone after?

Whoever is hired will have Parcells to thank. Parcells leaves behind a roster that is measurably more talented than the 5-11 one that he inherited.

In early December, after all, he thought he had a contender. The disappointment that he felt, in learning otherwise, drained him of his enthusiasm to continue as coach.

We shouldn't demean Bill Parcells, age 65, for that.

[lorenzo]

Give Parcells credit for reviving a dog

GIL LeBRETON
In My Opinion
The line forms quickly, apparently.

Bill Parcells hasn't yet cleaned out his Valley Ranch desk, but already the self-anointed media elite, the fair-weather Cowboys fans and the Terrell Owenses of the world are lining up to spit on his grave.

From Owens, we should have expected as much. A skunk's job is to stink.

Owens told the Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill on Monday that Parcells' coaching style "hurt us."

He likened Parcells to his grandmother. As Owens put it, "You love the person, but they are stuck in their old-school ways."

Nevermind that Owens led the free world this season in dropped passes, and that he never quite learned the nuances of the Cowboys playbook. A classier adult would have wished the coach well and maybe apologized for his inconsistent play and the role it played in the team's disappointing season.

Note to Owner Jones: Get rid of this clown. Your next coach will thank you for it.

Fan and media glee, however, at Parcells' retirement is unbecoming, if not inappropriate.

Do Cowboys fans forget that in the six seasons before Parcells arrived, the team had posted a plus-.500 record only once? Do they remember that he inherited Quincy Carter as his starting quarterback and that his No. 1 rusher was Troy Hambrick?

Parcells brought the franchise back into the national spotlight, and for that Owner Jones got his money's worth in more ways than he probably admits. Parcells leaves behind a better team than the one he saw upon arrival.

Cowboys fans perennially overrate their team's chances. An objective voice would say that the Cowboys were 9-7 and, as a wise old coach once said, you are what you are. Had Tony Romo been able to execute a simple placement on the would-be game-winning field goal in Seattle, the Cowboys probably would have been NFC semifinalists.

To call Parcells' time here, therefore, a failure is both silly and unfounded. As late as the first Sunday in December, some of these same media had anointed the Cowboys as the best team in the NFC.

The Cowboys weren't. The only failure is that as the team spiraled down the stretch, losing four of its final five games, Parcells couldn't stop the bleeding.

Easy, neighbor. Teams that replace a veteran starting quarterback with an untested, first-year one in midseason are not supposed to finish anywhere near the goal line in the final seconds of a first-round NFL playoff game.

Consider this: Had Romo gotten the snap on the ground, next season's Cowboys likely would have been among the NFC's preseason favorites.
As head coach, Parcells carved a unique relationship with the local media. No Cowboys coach since Tom Landry devoted more time, talking in front of the cameras and microphones, than Parcells.

Yet, it apparently rankled some that Parcells would not grant one-on-one interviews with the local media, nor would he allow his assistant coaches to be questioned during the season. Yes, the man had his heavy thumb on almost everything. But it's hard to claim that a head coach who chatted with the media for half-hours at a time, three or four times per week, all broadcast on live local radio, was an ogre whose old-school ways were undermining the franchise.

He was, until the very end, an intriguing study. A lion in prairie winter.

Ultimately, it seems, the lion lost his zest not for the feast, but for the hunt. And isn't that, in the end, what prompted Owner Jones and Jimmy Johnson to part ways 13 years ago?

Jones needs to find a coach who won't plow what's already been planted. The Cowboys already have the makings of a good defense. But the Romo questions will have to be resolved. The offensive line still needs help. The receiving corps needs a true game-breaker.

Parcells' prolonged self-examination didn't do Jones any favors, as the Cowboys now search for a successor. But it's laughable to hear that the coaching pool now contains only "second-tier candidates."

Hmm. Let's see. NFL teams have hired Bobby Petrino, Ken Whisenhunt, Cam Cameron, Mike Tomlin and Lane Kiffin. Which of those "first-tier"" candidates should Jones have gone after?

Whoever is hired will have Parcells to thank. Parcells leaves behind a roster that is measurably more talented than the 5-11 one that he inherited.

In early December, after all, he thought he had a contender. The disappointment that he felt, in learning otherwise, drained him of his enthusiasm to continue as coach.

We shouldn't demean Bill Parcells, age 65, for that.

I thought that was a fair article. Dale Hanson is happy as he can stop pouting now..........he knows he has a shot to get his face time in a one on one interview now.

[lorenzo]

espn is reporting jason garrett as the front runner for HC.......and is believed to have at least locked up the OC job. With that said i don't know how norv turner could fit into the equation as jones has not yet contacted SF.......nor would it make sense to bring two offensive guys and hang the 3-4 defense to dry. Interesting.......although i have read that the cowboys have asked permission to speak with wade phillups. I think the cowboys can have both.......obviously phillups would have to be the HC and garrett could run the offense. Phillups could continue to bolster the cowboys 3-4 defense as he has experience as a HC and could hand the reigns over to garrett when he is done.
http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=2741032

Edited by lorenzo, 24 January 2007 - 09:04 PM.

[texlong9]

As I stated on the other thread. Garrett as OC is fine. HC, eh, I don't think so...

[lorenzo]

As I stated on the other thread. Garrett as OC is fine. HC, eh, I don't think so...

I think eventually.......maybe. not yet. One would think jones would bring in a guy that has more coaching experience, just for managing and leadership purposes. It's obvious that the cowboys need a strong defensive minded coach with the loss of both parcells and zimmer. Wade phillups or rivera could be that guy......but they will both demand HC positions. I don't know that jones would wait for rivera unless he is sold on him. I think it may be wade phillups HC and jason garrett OC with the intent of becoming the future HC.

Edited by lorenzo, 24 January 2007 - 10:46 PM.

[texlong9]

If he's gonna be our HC then I'd like to see him stick around for at least 10 years.

[Jaymze13]

I just hope Jones thinks this one out and thinks it out clearly.

[Jaymze13]

If you hate the Cowboys, I've got some bad news for you.

January 24, 2007

Jerry Jones may be on the verge of doing something very smart. He may be about to hire Jason Garrett as head coach of the Cowboys. Of the available candidates, he's easily the most impressive. He's going to be a terrific NFL head coach. Maybe this is a year or two sooner than some would have thought, but a lot of people didn't think Sean Payton was ready, either.

Team sources told ESPN's Ed Werder that Jones has decided to hire Jason Garrett at least to be Dallas' offensive coordinator--and possibly to be the successor to Bill Parcells.

According to Werder, Jones considers Garrett--a former backup to quarterback Troy Aikman--to be one of the most promising offensive coaches in the league and was so determined to bring him back to the Cowboys organization that he would have been added to Parcells' staff had Parcells decided to coach the final year of his contract.

Garrett was the first outside candidate to visit Valley Ranch. Garrett played for the Cowboys from 1993 to '99, starting nine games, and earned two Super Bowl rings. He went on to play for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay and Miami, retiring after the 2004 season. His father, Jim, was a longtime scout for the Cowboys.

Meanwhile, Jones received permission to talk to San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips though no meeting has been scheduled.

[Jaymze13]

Garrett expected to join Cowboys

January 25
Miami Herald (registration required): "Garrett decided to leave Mobile, the site of the Senior Bowl, and head to Dallas, where he met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about potentially replacing head coach Bill Parcells, who retired Monday. He also was being considered as the offensive coordinator."

Cowboys, Garrett talk

January 25
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "As the Dolphins announced the hiring of Terry Robiskie (wide receivers) and Brett Maxie (safeties), quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett was in Texas interviewing for the Dallas Cowboys' coach and offensive coordinator positions."

Garrett interviews in Dallas
January 25
Palm Beach Post: "Campo didn't expect Garrett - who began his coaching career just two seasons ago with the Dolphins - to have a chance to become a head coach as quickly as this week. But Wednesday, Garrett interviewed with the Cowboys, who are considering him for one of two vacancies: head coach and offensive coordinator."

[Jaymze13]

Garrett expected to join Cowboys

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR, .
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

IRVING -- Although the Cowboys were caught somewhat by surprise by Bill Parcells' retirement Monday, it hasn't taken them long to formulate a succession plan.

According to sources, former Cowboys quarterback Jason Garrett is expected to join the Cowboys as offensive coordinator as soon as today while continuing talks about succeeding Parcells as head coach. A final decision has not been made, but Garrett has until today to sign a contract extension with the Dolphins.

The Cowboys also have been granted permission to talk to San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said.

The events followed the Cowboys' marathon interview session Wednesday with Garrett, the Miami Dolphins' quarterbacks coach who is considered a rising star in NFL coaching circles.

Owner Jerry Jones has long admired the work of Garrett, who played on two Super Bowl championship winning teams as the backup to Troy Aikman.

When Phillips would come to Dallas and interview with the Cowboys is unknown. He was in Mobile, Ala., at the Senior Bowl with the Chargers on Wednesday and had a flight scheduled to return to San Diego early Thursday morning.

Phillips is one of the NFL's premier defensive coaches and the architect of the Chargers' 3-4 scheme, the same scheme used by the Cowboys.

Phillips has a wealth of NFL experience as a defensive coordinator and head coach. He was interim head coach with Atlanta (three games) in 2003 after serving as defensive coordinator in 2002-2003.

Before joining the Falcons, Phillips was vice president of football operations and head coach at Buffalo from 1998 to 2000. He has also served as defensive coordinator with the Bills (1989-1992), Philadelphia (1986-88), and New Orleans (1981-85).

Phillips, the son of legendary Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips, said he has not yet heard personally from the Cowboys.

But he said he is very interested in becoming the seventh head coach Cowboys' history.

"I am out of clothes so I plan on making the flight home, but I am hoping to get back to Dallas," Phillips said Wednesday night.

The Cowboys' interest in Phillips coincides with their interest in Garrett.

Garrett's return to Dallas in any capacity is fitting considering the ties he and his family have to the organization. His father, Jim Garrett, spent 21 years as a scout for the Cowboys.

"That would be excellent," Jim Garrett said from his home in Monmouth, N.J. "It would be an absolute privilege for him to go back to that team. We are Cowboys people."

The Cowboys interviewed three in-house candidates for the head coaching job Tuesday: offensive line coach Tony Sparano, receivers coach Todd Haley and defensive backs coach Todd Bowles. All three are considered long shots for the job, and Haley is expected to take the offensive coordinator's job with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cowboys might also talk to San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who is close friends with Garrett.

What seems certain is that Garrett is at the epicenter of the search. If he is deemed ready to become a head coach, he could be Parcells' successor. If not, he could just run the offense and be the head coach-in-waiting while Phillips handled the top job. Or Turner could come in and serve as a head coach and mentor for Garrett.

Turner is at the Senior Bowl with the 49ers staff. He said he has not been contacted by the Cowboys, but he endorsed Garrett as a potential coach.

"Jason is a friend," Turner said. "I have known him for a long time. He has been around a lot of good people. I think his future is bright."

Garrett flew to Dallas at 8:11 a.m. Wednesday from the Senior Bowl and met with Jones and Parcells.

Although he retired Monday, Parcells is at the team's headquarters where he is serving as a sounding board and adviser to Jones for rest of the week. According to a source, he had a lengthy closed-door meeting with Garrett. Garrett went back into a closed-door session with Jones about 4:30 p.m. and was there well into the night.

While Garrett, 41, seems like an out-of-the-blue candidate, consider that the trend in the NFL is to hire young, energetic coaches. Look no further than the recent hires in Oakland (Lane Kiffin, age 31), Miami (Cam Cameron, 45) and Pittsburgh (Mike Tomlin, 34) so far this off-season. New Orleans (Sean Payton) and the New York Jets (Eric Mangini) made the playoffs last season with young coaches.

After dealing with the 65-year-old Parcells on a year-to-year basis, Jones is not only looking to re-energize the organization, but is looking for a long-term fit.

Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller said he thinks Garrett is ready to coach on the next level.

"Even though he is young in coaching years, he played for a long time and has an excellent body of work to draw on," Mueller said. "You are always looking to identify young guys who have a little more experience and he can do more. Jason has done a very good job for us."

Garrett, who was hired as the Dolphins quarterbacks coach in 2005, spent the first seven years of his playing career with the Cowboys and was part of two Super Bowl Championship teams as a backup to Aikman.

Garrett also served as the backup to Kerry Collins during the New York Giants' run to the Super Bowl in 2000.

[Jaymze13]

Cowboys ready to add Garrett to staff

Will it be as coordinator or head coach? Cowboys aren't saying

12:25 AM CST on Thursday, January 25, 2007
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – Jason Garrett so impressed the Cowboys with his interview Wednesday that they are on the verge of hiring the former backup quarterback as a coach, according to a source.

Just what coaching position that is, however, is not clear.

Garrett talked with owner/general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones well into the night Wednesday about the offensive coordinator position as well as the head coaching job vacated Monday by Bill Parcells.

Garrett, 40, has been Miami's quarterbacks coach the last two seasons and is considered a fast-rising assistant. The Dolphins granted him permission to speak with the Cowboys late Tuesday but with a hitch: The Cowboys had to make a decision on whether to offer Garrett the offensive coordinator job by today. He has an offer waiting from the Dolphins to return to Cam Cameron's staff. There is no time limit on Garrett possibly being named head coach.

Efforts to reach Garrett were unsuccessful.

While the Cowboys are bringing back Garrett, they also received permission to talk with San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for the head coaching vacancy.

Phillips is scheduled to leave Mobile, Ala., site of the Senior Bowl, today and return to San Diego.

"I'm excited about it," Phillips said of interviewing with the Cowboys. "It can't be a bad thing. We'll see how it goes."

Phillips won't interview today but is expected to interview soon.

Garrett, who played for the Cowboys from 1993 to '99, serving as Troy Aikman's backup, sandwiched meetings with the Joneses around a session with Parcells.

Prior to this season, Saints coach Sean Payton attempted to bring Garrett to New Orleans as offensive coordinator, and Cleveland was denied in its bid to talk with Garrett this season.

"I know he was a student of the game," former Cowboys coach Barry Switzer said of Garrett. "He was a little short in talent, obviously, but he was a great No. 2 quarterback. He beat Green Bay one year I was there. His dad was a super guy, a great scout. The whole family's a class act."

If the Cowboys hire Garrett for the head coaching job, they would be following a recent NFL trend of bringing in young assistants from the pro and college ranks.

In the last week, Pittsburgh hired Mike Tomlin, 34, and Oakland dipped into the college ranks to bring in Southern Cal's Lane Kiffin, who is 31. Last season, the New York Jets hired Eric Mangini, who was 35 at the time.

With the Dolphins, Garrett is well-respected by the quarterbacks. In addition to learning from offensive minds like Norv Turner and Ernie Zampese with the Cowboys, Garrett worked with Payton with the New York Giants and Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay before moving to coaching.

"I'm prejudiced about him," Gruden said. "I think he's a great guy and a great coach."

Garrett's father, Jim, was a long-time scout with the Cowboys, retiring in 2004.

"He's been around," Jim Garrett said from his Monmouth, N.J., home. "He has a wonderful absorbing ability. He takes things in that are the best things from everybody."

Phillips has a 48-39 record as a head coach and reached the playoffs three times. He had a 16-16 record with Denver from 1993-94 and was 29-19 in three seasons in Buffalo (1998-2000). Phillips also served as interim coach with New Orleans (1985) and Atlanta (2003).

He has spent the last three seasons as San Diego's defensive coordinator, running the same 3-4 scheme the Cowboys have used the last two seasons. In 2005, the Chargers finished with the top-ranked run defense. In 2006, they led the NFL with 61 sacks.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys interviewed assistants Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles and Todd Haley for the job. They are signed through 2007, although Arizona is hoping to make Haley its offensive coordinator.

Turner, the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, said he has not heard from the Cowboys, but head coach Mike Nolan said he would not stand in the way if the Cowboys called on Turner.

"He has a relationship with Jerry," Nolan said. "They were there, he and his wife, for three years, both enjoyed it. Naturally, they have good memories from being there and winning a few Super Bowls."

[Jaymze13]

Jones wants a winner who will let him have fun

By MAC ENGEL
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

MOBILE, Ala. - They are the Big Four.

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones won't pay big-time dollars for a head coach. Not yet.

After paying Bill Parcells around $20 million without the desired return, Jones might feel he can spend less money for similar results. At least.

"I think when he hired Parcells he had to step back a little bit just to get him to go there," former Cowboys coach Dave Campo said. "It was a good decision because he needed a star at that point."

Jones wants a coach who can be solely responsible for quarterback Tony Romo or will hire an assistant to coach Romo.

The next coach will be a defensive coordinator who has experience in the 3-4 or bring in someone who can adjust to the 3-4.

"That defense is broken," one NFL coach said of the Cowboys' unit in 2006.

Jones wants to have fun. Under super-serious Parcells, fun often was a four-letter word.

Those are the Big Four qualities Jones is looking for in his next head coach. Not only does he want to win, but he wants to enjoy doing it.

Popular perception around the NFL is that, after Jones hired Parcells, he learned to allow the head coach to run the team -- and that, although he wants to be in on every decision, Jones isn't going to make them all.

His priority is to win, and have fun doing it.

"I don't know that he needs a star," Campo, a Jacksonville assistant, said from the Senior Bowl practices. "He needs somebody that's going to, I guess, I think, fit better with him."

Even though the Parcells regime didn't bring a Super Bowl title, or appearance, it repaired Jones' reputation as an owner.

Before Parcells arrived, the league-wide perception was that Jones was a great owner who cared deeply -- an owner who would spend whatever to win.

But Jones was also perceived as making decisions that undermined his coach.

That, reportedly, was why Jimmy Johnson left -- and why Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey and Campo became Cowboys coaches.

"I think, when I was with him, he was very active in everything," Campo said. "I don't know that he's changed as far as wanting to be involved, because that's why he bought the club in the first place. He has a tremendous passion for it."

The success of Jones' relationship with Parcells demonstrated that, although he wants to be in on the decision making and will occasionally sign players the coach might not be crazy about (see Owens, Terrell), he will let a coach coach.

"I think he learned another way," Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said. "When you get a Bill Parcells, you trust him because of his history. I think [Jones] learned something. That is the process of every owner... you learn something by every coach you hire."

The Cowboys' position is again a job that coaches not only want, but it's one in which they feel they can do their job.

"It's still the star," Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller said. "It's a great job for somebody. They're not going to have any problem filling it."

[Jaymze13]

Phillips touts a winning record

January 27
Dallas Morning News (registration required): "At heart, Wade Phillips is a Texan, all the way down to the black cowboy boots he wore during Friday's interview to become Bill Parcells' successor with the Cowboys. Phillips, who was born in Orange, Texas, and went to Port Neches-Groves High School, met with Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones for almost six hours, attempting to convince them he is the right choice to be the next head coach. "

49ers bid to retain Turner; Cowboys consider Phillips
January 27
San Antonio Express-News: " San Francisco reportedly is offering Norv Turner a lucrative incentives package to remain its offensive coordinator rather than interview for the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching job. The Cowboys interviewed San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on Friday."

Phillips interviews, now waits on Dallas
January 27
San Diego Union-Tribune: " Wade Phillips spent the day in Dallas yesterday, interviewing for the chance to be the next head coach of that celebrated franchise. 'We had a very encompassing talk,' Phillips said of his seven hours with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones."

[Jaymze13]

Smart decision is also a no-brainer

By Jim Reeves
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

It makes so much sense, it's almost scary, and that's the most likely reason it won't happen.

It's too easy. Nobody looks for easy answers in situations like this. We tend to believe that everything's complicated, so we look for complicated answers.

It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be difficult. It doesn't even have to shock the world.

Jerry Jones needs to do exactly what I'm pretty sure every instinct in his body is telling him to do.

He needs to hire Norv Turner as the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

It really is as simple as that.

Do what feels right.

That's what Jones did in 1989 when he arrived here with Jimmy Johnson in tow. There was never any question who his coach was going to be, and it didn't matter that a coaching legend was already in place in Dallas.

Jones knew instinctively what he wanted to do with the Cowboys, who had grown stale and lifeless in Tom Landry's last years, and he knew in his gut the man who could best oversee the team's reconstruction.

All Jimmy Johnson did was put the Cowboys in position to win three Super Bowls and become the dominant NFL team of the '90s.

Of course, that makes Jerry, what, 1-for-5 in coaching hires? Not a great track record, except that we know when he hits it big, he hits it BIG.

This is another "gut" decision time, and he needs to trust his instincts again.

I'm not making the argument that Turner will be another Jimmy Johnson. That was another era, another NFL. But bringing him in, right now, with this team, makes perfect sense.

Everyone knows the knock on Norv. He's a two-time loser. He couldn't win in Washington or Oakland. Why would anyone think he could win here, in Dallas?

The question, of course, provides its own answer. Dallas isn't Washington or Oakland. Jones isn't, thank heavens, Little Danny Snyder or even Al Davis.

There really are a multitude of reasons why Jones should pick Turner.

They already have a strong relationship.

This really is important. Jerry needs to know whom he's dealing with, and there has to be a mutual trust and respect. Turner has to be able to stand firm against Jerry when the owner/GM wants to do something stupid (like bringing Terrell Owens back, for instance).

Turner isn't Jimmy, but he is a link to the Cowboys' heyday of the mid-'90s.

There are no sexy hires to be had out there. Jimmy's still fishing and isn't coming back. Bill Cowher is home with the family for a year. Not even Jones will pay to ransom Charlie Weis from Notre Dame. Bob Stoops has vowed to stay at OU, and besides, there's no guarantee it wouldn't take him a year or two to get up to speed in the NFL.

Turner, though, at least evokes pleasant thoughts of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, of great offenses and Super Bowls. Nothing wrong with that picture.

Turner already has a great relationship with Jason Garrett, the Cowboys' brilliant but raw offensive coordinator. Norv can take Garrett under his wing and school him in the nuances of the job, while also prepping him to be an NFL head coach.

The owner stepping in to hire the offensive coordinator before hiring his head coach, who should then hire his own staff, is absolutely backward and typical Jerry, but it works if Turner comes in as Garrett's boss.

Tony Romo.

This is pretty self-explanatory. Turner developed one Hall of Fame quarterback already, and don't you know that Aikman would happily drop by Valley Ranch for a little one-on-one work with Romo if either Turner or Garrett asked him to do it. With Turner and Garrett right there and Aikman available, Romo couldn't have a better support system.

It's time to think offense.

Jones hinted at philosophical changes to come late in the season as he expressed his disgust at the waste of time, money, draft picks and effort the Cowboys have put in to build what was supposed to a championship-caliber defense. You have to score points in today's NFL. Turner knows how to do that.

The window of opportunity is now.

Perhaps the most important reason of all to hire Turner is that this is a Cowboys team that's on the brink. It can go one of two ways. Up, to the next level as a championship contender. Down, as the window closes and age begins to catch up with its wide receivers, etc.

That's why Jones doesn't want a college coach here and why he shouldn't give the job to Garrett, either. This team needs a cool, veteran hand on the throttle. It needs to win now.

A relaxed and confident Turner will bring a breath of fresh air to a tense locker room, where players had the life sucked out of them by the dour Bill Parcells each December.

Jones needs to follow his gut. He needs to hire Norv as the head coach and then allow him to go get the best and brightest young defensive coordinator he can find to put some juice into this Cowboys defense.

It's not sexy. It's not complicated. It's almost too easy.

But it's the right thing to do.