The Coaching Carousel: It's a Jerry Jones World

by Rafael Vela on Jan 16, 2009 8:44 PM CST

Jerry takes his lumps from the press and public for wearing so many hats at Valley Ranch, but it appears the M.O. among owners today is to copy Jerry. Let's look at the big-salary head coaches who retired or who were fired this offseason:

1. Seattle's Mike Holmgren, the highest paid NFL head coach, and big Kahuna of the Seahawks organization, walks away.

2. Denver fired Mike Shanahan, who had been their head guy since 1995. He's been replaced by 32 year old Josh McDaniels, who will have limited personnel say.

3. Tony Dungy, head coach of the Colts since 2001, retires.

4. Jon Gruden, the man who replaced Dungy in Tampa Bay, the coach for whom the Bucs surrendered two #1 draft picks, is fired today. Gruden had won a power struggle with former GM Rich McKay a few years ago, but the added responsibility proved too much for him.

5. If Jason Garrett is tapped by the Rams, he'll take a pay cut to move up in title and authority.

Let's recall that Joe Gibbs stepped down last year. Bill Cowher the year before that. We may be seeing the end of the do-it-all head coach. It may be cyclical and it may be brought on by the budget crunch, but teams are hiring younger, lower-cost head men and making them accountable to front offices.

The only head coaches who have anything approaching the authority Holmgren had in Seattle, Shanahan had in Denver and Gruden had in Tampa Bay are Jeff Fisher and Bill Belichick in New England. And Belichick's authority is newfound; he shared the personnel duties with Scott Pioli, who just took over in Kansas City.

It's a new world. It seems Jerry Jones may want to take another shot at that suddenly wide open coaching pool. If he goes for a grizzled veteran coordinator or head coach, he would buck his own trend.

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Comments

Great insight as always Raf...

Personally, I kinda hope we keep our HC and OC and try to grow our team around them.

by BishopWest on Jan 16, 2009 8:49 PM CST reply actions

Garrett had 2 years

to do something and he didn’t.
The defenses caught up to us every year.
Why is it so hard to get TO/Witten/barber enough consistent touches.
The Pats do it,Colts do it, Cards do it.
Forget the gensius BS and get a guy who knows how to get the impact players the ball.

by oneforthethumb on Jan 16, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions

+1

by joey7289 on Jan 16, 2009 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

Once the ball is in play...

Romo decides who is open and who he is going to throw the ball to. It is not all dictated by the play called in the huddle. I don’t see it as totally the OC’s fault. I do agree that JC was a little slow to adapt and make changes in the game, but I think he’s a coach who can still learn and change. I’m not sure that is true of Wade, but I do believe that JC can improve.

by BishopWest on Jan 16, 2009 11:14 PM CST up reply actions

+1

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:18 AM CST up reply actions

He didnt do anything?

Our team set all kinds of offensive records last year, and this year we still had decent numbers considering the injuries. Garrett has only had two seasons in the NFL and will improve with experience, if he goes he will be missed.

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:19 AM CST up reply actions

Say No to the Status Quo

Promoting Brian Stewart to Defensive Coordinator will cost Wade Phillips his job. There is a message in this for all you young business types out there… surround yourself with the best people possible, regardless of circumstance. Another Calvados for Tex.

by Montecito Tex on Jan 16, 2009 9:02 PM CST reply actions

Great ribs in St. Louis, Tex

If, contrary to your suspicion, Garret is the new HC in St. Louis, I hope you guys enjoy some calvados with your St. Louis ribs.

by JimmyJohnson on Jan 16, 2009 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

GRUDEN, GRUDEN, GRUDEN

Young, driven, smart, not an a-hole like Parcells but all the fire and passion Wade lacks.

NO Cowher – just wants a payday.
NO Shanahan – best years are behind him.
NO Holmgren – unless Jerry would come to Jesus and make him GM.
NO Garrett – but he could have one more chance as OC if Chucky wants him.

Chucky, CHUCKY, CHUCK-Y!

by macvechkin on Jan 16, 2009 9:57 PM CST reply actions

Oh, Jesus

STOP CHASING SHINY THINGS!

Gruden never had an offense that finished higher than 18th in scoring in Tampa Bay.
Let me repeat — HE NEVER HAD A SCORING OFFENSE IN THE TOP HALF OF THE LEAGUE.
His best offense was two points per game worse than this year’s Cowboys’ O, which has
some people ready to run Jason Garrett out of town on a rail.

Gruden is a shiny thing. Monte Kiffin’s defense won the Super Bowl in 2002 and Gruden
went along for the ride.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 16, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions

+1

I guess everyone becomes enamored with the “I just ate a poo sandwich” look and think Clint Eastwood is going to be the next HC after watching Wade wander around the sidelines looking like an Alzheimer’s patient wandered onto the field.

by Benthere on Jan 16, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions

Ain't that the truth?

Come and whisper in my ear, give us dirty laundry - ESPN

by Nelson... on Jan 16, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions

Full control is something we don’t have to worry about in Dallas. You can’t compare personnel, we’re talking about COACHING. Imagine if Tbay didn’t have a pile of crap at QB. Hell they won a SB with Brad Johnson.

This guy turned Rich Gannon into an MVP. He could work wonders with Romo.

by macvechkin on Jan 16, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

+1

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:21 AM CST up reply actions

Ha ha shiny things

I’ve been saying that the only fans who got screwed more than us were Bucs fans (I live near there) they were what 9-3 looking at 1st round bye and didn’t make the tourney

by Elwood62 on Jan 17, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

With a loss to the Raiders to cap it all off

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

Gruden has a history of tanking in December

you up for more of that?

IF YOU'RE LOOKIN FOR ME...I'M AT THE SCRIP CLUB WITH PACMAN.

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jan 16, 2009 10:45 PM CST up reply actions

Wade Phillips is still here

Are we up for more of that?

by macvechkin on Jan 17, 2009 12:40 AM CST up reply actions

Im not saying Wade should stay

but I dont want him to replace him with a guy who has the same problems

IF YOU'RE LOOKIN FOR ME...I'M AT THE SCRIP CLUB WITH PACMAN.

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jan 17, 2009 6:57 AM CST up reply actions

December tank jobs with Parcells, Phillips…perhaps the problem is deeper than the coach?

by macvechkin on Jan 17, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

And Gruden got full control in Tampa Bay

He had Parcells Disease. Could not put an offensive line together.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 16, 2009 10:05 PM CST reply actions

Sportingnews syaing its a done deal wit Garrett

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=507864

Lets hope he takes Houck with him

by boysinyabelly on Jan 16, 2009 10:10 PM CST reply actions

That article just looks like a rehash of earlier articles

Not any confirmation of a done deal…yet.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Jan 16, 2009 10:16 PM CST up reply actions

Don't blame

Garrett – blame the OL. I can’t understand why so many people want Garrett gone. Look at our offense the past 2 years. The play of the OL is what caused our problems this year. If Garrett is so bad then why do so many teams keep talking to him? If Garrett goes to the Rams then we will look back in 2-3 years and wonder why Jerry let him go. That being said, I am surprised to see that Stewart was fired today. Not that I care but the timing is strange. Wonder who the next DC will be?

by tyler2 on Jan 16, 2009 10:13 PM CST reply actions

What OC wouldn't be good with the players that we've amassed?

I blame him and Houck for the collapse of the O-line. He’s the OC, he should’ve been able to fix it if he were as good as you’re implying.

by hiafex on Jan 16, 2009 10:21 PM CST up reply actions

I hope I'm not in the minority on this

I think Houck is one of the best O-line coaches in the NFL. His resume is as impressive as you can get. I doubt he suddenly became a lousy O-line coach.

here’s a good write up on his Wiki page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Houck

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Jan 16, 2009 10:31 PM CST up reply actions

co-sign

"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Jan 16, 2009 10:32 PM CST up reply actions

Why couldn't he turn Proctor or any of the backup guards

Into serviceable pieces of the O-line? The line wasn’t any different than the previous year besides Proctor being out the majority of the time. If Houck was really that good, we should have seen some progress in Free or McQuistian or Proctor over the year.

by hiafex on Jan 16, 2009 10:44 PM CST up reply actions

I meant

The line wasn’t any different than the previous year besides Proctor being out there the majority of the time.

by hiafex on Jan 16, 2009 10:56 PM CST up reply actions

I agree Proctor didn't improve, neither did Berger, or McQ, I guess

But the line was very impressive when all 5 starters were healthy.

I have to think the backups on hand were just not up to snuff, and even with a good coach you can’t turn lead into gold.

Kosier’s unfortunate injury, compounded by the injuries suffered by Flo was too much to over come. On the bright side, Colombo has become a really good RT. The right side of the line looked like money. I have no idea why they insisted on running left so much. Frustrating to watch.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Jan 16, 2009 11:26 PM CST up reply actions

+1

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:22 AM CST up reply actions

Really?

Garrett could wave his hands and turn Cory Proctor into the white Larry Allen?

The OC collapsed because the team has not produced a starter since ’02 and has not drafted a quality backup this decade.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 16, 2009 10:25 PM CST reply actions

I see where you are coming from Rafael, but...

Isn’t Garrett, as Offensive Coordinator, responsible for drafting OL? He didn’t even attempt to try and get an O lineman in any round this past draft. I guess he just felt that the line would get better with time. But it did not work out that way. He himself is responsible for not addressing OL. That is why I posted many times the waste of 2nd rd pick Martellus Bennett. We should have drafted OL with that pick. Let’s see what the coaches do in this draft about OL.

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Jan 16, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions

The Cowboys have had very poor luck with OL in the draft

of the seven that played most of the downs this year they only drafted three of them. Proctor was horrible, Flo was was down and Gourde was average at best in 08

by 082288 on Jan 16, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions

Martellus Bennett was the highest player with a 2nd round grade

on Dallas’ board.

They went straight off their board with him.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 16, 2009 10:46 PM CST up reply actions

which they always should do

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 17, 2009 10:12 AM CST up reply actions

within reason

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly you draft the best player available not based on need.

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Jan 17, 2009 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

I say best available

ILB or Safety..

"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"

by Wmillion on Jan 18, 2009 10:40 AM CST up reply actions

Don't get me wrong Rafael...

I like Martellus (very much so) but we needed something else than TE with that pick. For crying out loud, I’m still hurt when I see that Marcus McNeil that plays for the Chargers. We could have had him and they did nothing then about OL. All we have the last few years to talk about with OL is Leonard Davis (FA) Kosier (FA) Holland (FA), and then the two bums Parcells picked. This is a real sad scenario as far as I’m concerned (no depth or youth).

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Jan 21, 2009 7:20 PM CST up reply actions

Holgrem had lost his GM status in Seattle several years ago.

GM Jerry takes so many lumps because he has created this team in his own image. Full of gleam and short of heart.

As Cowboy fans we must come to gripes with our current place in the NFL. Look at the teams that have not won a playoff game in last 12 or more seasons. Jerry has our team right there with the likes of the Chiefs and Lions.

by 082288 on Jan 16, 2009 10:27 PM CST reply actions

is anyone else torn?

dear lord, i’m so emotionally torn over this JG situation. i don’t know what to feel!

by falconPUNCH on Jan 16, 2009 11:02 PM CST reply actions

A bit

I don’t really care whichever way it goes … I just want resolution.

When that happens … que sera’ sera’.

by no1cowboysfan on Jan 16, 2009 11:06 PM CST up reply actions

My question is...

If JG leaves, who in the world is going to replace him?

by BishopWest on Jan 16, 2009 11:21 PM CST reply actions

If Garrett leaves

Everything is in play.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 16, 2009 11:28 PM CST reply actions

What do you mean by everything?

HC?

by BishopWest on Jan 16, 2009 11:32 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't be shocked if Jerry makes a move on a new HC. Once the coach in waiting is gone, he may get itchy.

by I_miss_Switzer on Jan 16, 2009 11:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Here's a fix for the Offense

Keep Jason Garrett at OC
Run MBIII, Felix Jones, and Choice like crazy
Drop Terrell Owens like a hot potatoe
Build around Witten and Bennett
Get Romo and RW2 on the same page
Develop M.Austin
Draft, trade, or sign FA help on the OL
Run 48 percent, Pass 52 percent
Secure a better #2 QB
——Case Closed——

by BishopWest on Jan 16, 2009 11:29 PM CST reply actions

Pretty simplistic

I didnt know succeeding in the NFL was that easy

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:24 AM CST up reply actions

Conspiracy theory..

Wade brought Bruce Read and Brian Stewart in to the organization….

Both are gone.

I believe it was in Buffalo and Wade was ordered to fire one of his guys and he refused…which cost him his own job. The assistant was let go as well.

Does this mean anything? or nothing?

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Jan 17, 2009 12:16 AM CST reply actions

Hmmm. U may be on to something there, JV. Stay Tuned...

Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/

by silverblue5 on Jan 17, 2009 12:19 AM CST up reply actions

Why would JJ take a ST coord that is a WP pick if he might let him go?

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Jan 17, 2009 12:28 AM CST up reply actions

Wade also brought in

Joe DeCamillis,
Todd Grantham,
Reggie Herring,
Skip Peete
Ray Sherman

I don’t know if it means much.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 17, 2009 12:33 AM CST up reply actions

Raf do you think that JG is making a power play on JJ to have TO cut

or is this thing just more of a media driven idea that fits nicely with JG potentially leaving dallas?

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Jan 17, 2009 12:38 AM CST up reply actions

No

I’m posting a story in about a minute saying why.

by Rafael Vela on Jan 17, 2009 12:54 AM CST up reply actions

To me the idea of JG leaving dallas is because he may feel the need to take his shot at a

HC job now and not wait for JJ to bestow the HC next year if that was the plan. JG must feel a little regret he missed out on at least two opportunities last year and probably wants to make his mark; he is still young, could still fail and bouce back later in his career. I think he will take the job if it is offered and the msm will spin it as a TO wins the battle over who stays at dallas.

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Jan 17, 2009 12:45 AM CST up reply actions

Not only did Garrett miss out on two opportunities...

He missed out being the HC of two teams that made the playoffs this season.

by no1cowboysfan on Jan 17, 2009 12:49 AM CST up reply actions

But there it isnt definate that they would have made the playoffs if JG had of gone there, so you cant really think about it like that

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 17, 2009 1:26 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah but that does not mean that JG did not look at it that way, a team with the

talent to go to the playoffs, if he did not feel that he could lead them he would not be trying to get hired as a HC.

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Jan 17, 2009 1:43 AM CST up reply actions

And Jerry's team hasn't won a playoff game in more than a decade.

Why would they want to imitate him on the operations side? Now, I can see why they’d want to copy his marketing strategy; he manages to make a lot of money without winning much of anything. That’s genius.

by Fernie67 on Jan 17, 2009 2:51 AM CST reply actions