What's next for the Cowboys?

by Dave Halprin on Jan 18, 2009 11:11 AM CST in News Comment 62 comments

As the dust settles on an interesting past couple of days, the picture for the Cowboys becomes a little bit clearer...we think. With Steve Spagnoulo taking the St. Louis Rams job, the obvious conclusion is that Jason Garrett will return to the Cowboys as their offensive coordinator. While we haven't had any "official word" out of the Ranch, since he was already the OC it stands to reason that's still going to be the case.

Unless Jerry Jones makes some radical move, the question around Garrett is no longer whether he will be here or not, but rather who will be here with him. We don't know how much of a rift there is between Garrett and Terrell Owens, is the reported ultimatum of "him or me" from Garrett about the mercurial wide receiver true? Now that he no longer has any outside leverage to force such a move it appears that the decision ultimately goes back to Jerry. Where Stephen Jones stands on the issue could be an important piece of the puzzle but further speculation is just that, speculation - until the brass at the Ranch makes a statement.

More after the jump including defensive coordinator speculation.

On the other side of the football the Cowboys still have a big decision to make. We know that we don't have a defensive coordinator after the firing of Brian Stewart, the question is will the Cowboys stay in-house to fill the position or will they reach for someone outside of the organization? This is an important decision, obviously, but it goes further than just filling the position. Wade Phillips is still the head coach, but over the last half of the season he was the de facto defensive coordinator. That situation is untenable if the Cowboys want to be major players in 2009. A head coach already has too much on his plate to split his duties between managing a team and managing a specific unit on a team. You can find exceptions, head coaches who are their own offensive coordinators comes to mind, but betting on that working is stacking the odds against you. With the unique personalities on this team, it raises the stakes even higher. A head coach for this roster needs to have his full attention on managing the team and needs strong lieutenants that can be trusted to manage their own units.

The Cowboys have two defensive coaches in-house that have been coordinators before but each has their own perceived deficiencies. Dave Campo was a coordinator with Dallas before with some degree of success but his history suggests a comfort with the 4-3 defense. Coaching the secondary of a 3-4 team like he did in 2008 is not the same thing as 3-4 experience. The secondary unit is the one least affected by the formation, the front-seven are the true difference between the two defenses. Defensive line coach Todd Grantham does have experience coordinating a 3-4 defense but his previous tenure wasn't exactly successful. Personally, I'm not excited about either guy being elevated to the position.

The name that immediately came to mind for most Cowboys fans was that of Dom Capers. Everybody knows that we tried to hire him last year as a defensive consultant until the idea was nixed by Brian Stewart who wouldn't have felt comfortable having his old boss looking over his shoulder. Capers has a reputation for being a quality defensive coordinator and has plenty of experience running a 3-4 defense. Hiring someone like Capers would make it clear that the Cowboys are freeing Phillips up to concentrate on being a head coach instead of managing the defense. But the Cowboys would have competition for Capers' services; he's already interviewed for the Packers open defensive coordinator position, and there is speculation that the Giants might also want him to replace Spagnoulo since he and Tom Coughlin have history together. Capers' agent has said that neither the Giants nor Cowboys have contacted his client as of yet.

Another guy who is an interesting potential DC is recently fired Browns coach Romeo Crennel. Crennel was a very successful 3-4 guy in his days with the Patriots and is available - sort of. He has said he won't make a decision on his future until after he has hip-surgery next month. New Browns head coach Eric Mangini has asked him to remain with the team in an unspecified role, but the lure of a DC job and the money Jerry could spend might be enough to overcome any of that - if the Cowboys really wanted him.

Finally, there's the obligatory mention of Gary Gibbs who was recently fired by the Saints as the DC. He was with the Cowboys for a few years as a linebackers coach and knows the 3-4. I don't put much stock though in that tenuous connection. Of course, other candidates could emerge unless the Cowboys just stay in-house.

For me, I would like to see Capers or Crennel brought in. Both would command respect from the defensive players, both have had success as defensive coordinators and both would send the signal that Wade will not have to manage the defense again this year and could concentrate on the duties of a head coach full-time.

Who you guys got?

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Comments

Crennel would be a GREAT addition

I’d love to see him here as DC

by mhuff13 on Jan 18, 2009 11:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

why?

His defenses sucked pretty bad in Cleveland…

And Belichick ran those defenses in NE, don’t think for one second he didn’t…

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler

by Longhorn on Jan 18, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

2-Gap vs. Phillips 34

Crennel comes from the Parcells / Belechek (sic) school of 2-Gap 3-4 defenses. I wonder if Philipps would prefer another of his guys instead of a 2-Gap coach.

by JimmyJohnson on Jan 18, 2009 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's a good point JJ

I thought about the same thing and agree that could influence the choice. Phillips’ aggressive attacking 1-gap 3-4 is a little different than Crennel’s time under the 2-gap tree of defense.

Also, there were reports that there was a HUGE rift between Crennel and Todd Grantham when they were both in Cleveland that led to Grantham’s ouster as DC. That could also influence the thinking.

I admit the idea that Crennel coming here is far-fetched, but it’s fun to specualate while we wait.

by Dave Halprin on Jan 18, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

crennel

Longhorn, how do you know Belicheck ran the defense? Were you on the sideline overhearing their calls?

I think Crennel would be an excellent choice. He is a Parcells protege, runs a two gap system, and has great experience. I think the combination of the two gap and Wade’s one gap could add another dimension to this defense. It would diversify the defense making it maybe even Steeler-like. Of course they need a couple of players to make the defense outstanding, a huge athletic NT and a big, bruising ILB next to Bradie James.

by beautifultyrant on Jan 18, 2009 11:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Too many cooks. I want a whole season of Wade and maybe set a new sack record.

by squidlo97 on Jan 18, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how do you know he wasn't?

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
The Wrestler

by Longhorn on Jan 18, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not the point

You were the one who made the definitive statement that Belichek ran the Pats defense, rather than Crennel. It wasnt expressed as your opinion, but rather an indisputable fact. So back up your statement with proof.

The greatest two yard run ever!

by WB3forMB3 on Jan 18, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would agree that Bellicheat was the primary ruler of the defense in NE, still is.

Crennel was the same to Bellicheat as what Brian Stewart was to Wade last half of the season.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 19, 2009 2:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wade is going to be the DC

Crazy right? Here’s my theory.

Garrett was in St. Louis on Friday in preparation to accept the Rams head coaching position. On the verge of losing him, Jerry decides to make Garrett the Cowboys head coach. He talks to Wade, asks him to be the DC, and Wade agrees. They fire Brian Stewart to open up the DC position and are now finalizing the agreements with Garrett and Wade, hence why we haven’t heard anything.

Early this week they’ll announce that Garrett is the HC and Wade is the DC, followed shortly thereafter with a release of TO to cement Garrett’s status as the man in charge.

Sounds crazy, but with the signals that Garrett was the HC in St. Louis and the abrupt firing of Brian Stewart, I think there are some behind-the-scenes machinations going on.

by cowboysuberfan on Jan 18, 2009 11:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sounds Crazy?????

it is crazy….
#1. No way Jerry makes JG the head coach after the horrible job he did of playcalling this year.
#2. No way Wade will take a demotion (firing really) and agree to stay on as head coach.
#3. Jerry as willing to let Garrett walk if St.louis wanted him…..why all the sudden would he put him in as head coach….when his unit was the reason for our pitifull season?
#4. No way Jerry eats $9 million dollars in 2009 to let TO walk away….and still play elsewhere….probably a division foe (snyder would take TO in a heartbeat!)

I personally think Romeo crennel would make a perfect DC. Besides the fact that we grew up in the same hometown and I know him and his family personally…I know him to be a high character guy . He’s be a great addition!

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Jan 18, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

#2

Why so sure on #2?

1. Wade’s Ego-If Crennel is willing to take a demotion, why wouldn’t Wade; Wade isn’t the TO of coaches, he’s
2. Rational-If Jerry did ask Wade to move to DC, Wade’s refusal wouldn’t mean he stays at HC!! He’d be fired and WOULD NOT get another HC job. He’d have to go play DC for a team that will not pay him as heftily. If Jerry says “Wade, I want you to be the DC and you can keep your HC salary,” I think Wade’s best choice is to take the offer.

I think that the main obstacle to this move taking place is Jerry’s unwillingness to do it. There may be some very good reasons not to make the move from Jerry’s point of view, but I think there’s a good chance Wade would do it. Jerry just may not want to risk losing Wade (i.e. Wade might be irrational)

I agree completely with your #1 and #4 points, but think that there could be a legitimate reason under #3 (letting Garrett find out what his salary would be with another team!, humbling him by watching him get passed over, etc.)

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As much as I like this idea

It falls into the category of wishful thinking… the kind that I indulge in as often as many here, though we all may not admit it. Wade taking a step down is just too far out of the box. What could happen is a DE FACTO version of this, where Wade continues as HC and also takes on the DC responsibilities. Garrett gets even greater autonomy with the offense and the behind-the-scenes handshake deal in Jerry’s office leaves the two on more equal footing. That I could see easier than an outright demotion.

Duane Thomas, Calvin Hill, Tony Dorsett, Emmitt Smith ... and now BOTH Marion Barber and Felix Jones

by DalaiLuke on Jan 18, 2009 11:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

That makes sense

let’s just hope this infernal “source” at valley ranch doesn’t blow their cover.

by Billito on Jan 18, 2009 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts also. JG seems to have a bright future but the future is a couple of years away.

by squidlo97 on Jan 18, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

uberfan

That does sound crazy! However, your theory stinks of logic in a weird way. That’s not going to happen though because Jerry never does the right thing.

by beautifultyrant on Jan 18, 2009 11:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

maybe, but I hope not

I hope you’re only right about Wade’s move.
Garrett certainly doesn’t deserve the promotion and I don’t want to see TO go.
If you want to reward someone for being a good coordinator, reward Wade for being a damn good de facto DC.

It seems possible that making Garrett HC was the only way to keep him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams’ salary offer wasn’t too small for Garrett. I mean he makes more as a coordinator than Spagnuolo will make as the Rams’ HC. We assume that the Rams didn’t want Garrett, but maybe Garrett wasn’t satisfied with the offer.

Didn’t Spanuolo have a really high coordinator salary as well, though? Maybe he was just more willing to take a cut for a new title?
Maybe he got a higher salary offer (i.e. the Rams offered Garrett even less than they did Spagnuolo?)

Imagine this: You (the Rams) are at a bar…your favorite beer is Sierra Nevada (Spagnuolo), but it’s 4 or 5 dollars…you might ask if there are any specials and I can sure say I’ve had a lot of Bud Light because it was cheaper. Maybe Garrett asked for more than $2 for his Miller Lite services…

Like Rafael’s article pointed out a few days ago, the Rams’ actions certainly seemed indicative of THEIR willingness to bring him in. Maybe they were, but couldn’t work out the dollars and cents.

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 11:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

meant to reply to cowboysuberfan

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DC

Would Crennel or Capers do a better job than Wade at DC?

I really don’t think so. I think Wade is the man for the DC job. I don’t know if the organization can afford such a move, but if you’re already making splashes, why not bring in a new HC?

I think that there are better HCs available, but I don’t know that there are better DCs around. Why would you want Wade to focus on being a head coach and not play to his strengths and have him focus on being a DC?

Bringing in a good DC will allow Wade to focus more on being a HC, but will that be enough to make him effective?

My pick for DC is still WADE

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 12:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Let’s look at what we do know -

-Wade is a far superior DC than he is HC
-The only time we’ve seen this D play to its potential is when Wade took over the playcalling.
-JG is most likely the next head coach of the cowboys.

As unconventional as JJ is, maybe he is scheming a stituation in which Wade and JG are co-head coaches. Wade’s title is HC/DC and JG is HC/OC.

That allows Wade to save face and run the defense while putting JG in a situation where he has more say and can manipulate the team to his liking.

At this point, nothing will surprise me.

by Billito on Jan 18, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wade is the Peter Principle

“a competent employee will eventually be promoted to, and remain at, a position at which he or she is incompetent.”

Wade has shown that he is a top 5 DC in the league. If I had my choice for DC (and they were all available), Wade would be right in there with Capers, Crennell, Spagnulo, and Ryan. I’m afraid that Wade (like Buddy Ryan or Ritchie Petitbon) is a fantastic DC. But has no business as the HC of an NFL team. Now that Wade has been a permanent HC, he is unlikely to accept a demotion. That is bad for the Cowboys and any other team where he might have excelled as a DC.

by JimmyJohnson on Jan 18, 2009 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1,000,000

by Starred4Life on Jan 19, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Crennel is a

Tuna / Belicick guy. No way is he coming to Dallas.

Let’s see how good the coaching tree is from the Pats:
Weiss – NG
Mangini – NG
Crennel -NG
McDaniels – jury is out.

I would say a bit over rated almost as much as JJ’s asst coaches. wannstaedt,Campo,davis,

by oneforthethumb on Jan 18, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

co-sign

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

by silverblue5 on Jan 18, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldnt say Mangini is no good

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

by aussie_cowboy on Jan 18, 2009 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree Grizz

I believe a HC can handle the coordinator duties at the same time, Belichick has been doing it for years with the Pats. Crennel was no more than a figure head DC with the Pats and his horrible defenses with the Browns proved that to be the case.

I believe Wade could handle the DC duties and be the HC at the same time. Who we appoint or hire as the DC figure head won’t really matter because Wade will for all intent and purposes will be running things defensively.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 18, 2009 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips

by MrMinority on Jan 18, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Fire Stewart

If you’re just going to replace one “figure head” with another, why eat Stewart’s salary? If Wade has his same role again next year, firing Stewart doesn’t make much sense. AND BELIEVE ME, I was very happy when Stewart got fired, I just don’t think that if his replacement were to be another unknown positions coach, the move wouldn’t really do anything.

I think it’s pretty clear that the Cowboys have to either be bringing in an established DC or move Wade there if anything is going to change.

I really like the idea of moving Wade to DC and bringing in Shanahan or Gruden as the HC.

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i like that idea as well

but its never gonna happen
wade will remain hc
and i want him to keep calling the plays on defense, but having an actual d-coordinator in there instead of wade’s closet lover brian stewart makes wade’s job easier

"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips

by MrMinority on Jan 18, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Stewart

1. Players liked Stewart
2. he was the only coach with any fire/intensity

His weakness was his playcalling. If Wade ends up doing this next year, we might as well have kept Stewart around.

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yea i agree

players like stewart, he was a good coach but a bad playcaller
but..whats done is done…and having a d-coordinator that can hold his own
takes alot off of wade if he needs to trust the guy for certain situations and he can be more of an HC

"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips

by MrMinority on Jan 18, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Id rather Wade call the D and trust the OC more.

by squidlo97 on Jan 18, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I read different..

"Trust me, firing Stewart is the most difficult decision Phillips has made since arriving in Dallas because of their close, personal relationship – and it doesn’t matter whether the idea belonged to Jerry Jones or Phillips.

But it’s a move that absolutely should’ve been made based on Stewart’s contribution this season. Actually, Stewart’s lack of contribution led to his demise with a year left on his contract.

Anyone who spent considerable time around this team knew the players had no respect, no regard and no confidence in Stewart.

We really shouldn’t be surprised Stewart struggled. He had only been a secondary coach for three years before Phillips hired him, and as a secondary coach, Stewart had limited experience working with the front seven. "

Dallas Morning News / JJT

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

by Jim Vance on Jan 18, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh! JJT huh! Well hot dam, there is the truth. That GUY knows his football. Hell he is on ESPN

by squidlo97 on Jan 18, 2009 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ya know...

..if you state your opinion on here, somebody comes back with something like..“What do you know, were you on the sidelines and heard the players yourself!?!?!”

Then if you quote some guy who has the right to be on the sidelines, and hear things first hand you get , “Oh that guy!? he’s unreliable!”

I’m not a big fan of JJT because like most of the media, he has to search for a negative angle on the team, lest he be thought a homer. But, I don’t think the guy would outright lie in print, do you?

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

by Jim Vance on Jan 18, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. As much as I didn't like Stewart the play caller, He does have other duties.

Like organizing the D meetings, helping at positional coaching, advance scouting opponents, etc. etc…Coordinators in general are more administrative assistance to the HC, Stewart was the weekly preparer for Wade to go into the game calling the plays. No matter what DC comes in here, I still see Wade calling the plays, and the DC running the day to day operations and preparation of the defense. So what should be done is elavating one of our in house assistant coaches, Campo, Gratham, or Herring to DC and replacing that positional coaching duty. It’s too late, as he’s already been hired by Seattle I believe, but Rod Marrinelli is a highly regarded as a D line coach and would have been a great addition.

btw…It goes to show you a former Head coach out of work would except a lesser role to be employed…That goes for Capers, Nolan, Campo, Martz, Fassels, Bellick, Wyche, Crennel, Lenihan, Haslett, Gruden, Shanahan, etc. etc. etc. etc. The thought of an ex HC not being humble enough to take on a lesser rol of Coordinator or even positional coach is unjustifiable, and I can go on an on with other names of HC’s turned assistant coach.

I have not lost hope of Jerry making a splash for a real OC yet. off season is still early.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 19, 2009 2:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unlikely

I agree that Wade will most likely be the HC again next year. It’s also possible that he’ll call the D’s plays next year…but it doesn’t make any sense for the two to coincide for the following reasons.

1. As Dave said, it’s difficult for a coach to do both successfully (and Wade is no Bellichick, Terry)
2. Cowboys decision to fire Stewart doesn’t add up to that conclusion
3. It’s just not what’s best for the team
4. It’s not what the fans want (imagine the backlash to the story “Grantham promoted to DC”

by NICK L on Jan 18, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know Terry

I don’t have that much confidence in Wade’s ability as a head coach anyway (at least when it comes to the post-season) and I certainly don’t think he’s on the level of Belichick. Having him assume two duties at once would be stretching things too far. And I agree with NICK L above about why would they fire Stewart if they were just going to have Wade run the defense anyway?

by Dave Halprin on Jan 18, 2009 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree firing Stewart doesn't make sense

under my theory. Maybe Jerry has something up his sleeve we don’t know about, I’ll guess time will tell.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 18, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Firing Stewart makes alot of sense...

He was a horrible DC, the reason Wade took over. A new DC who knows how to run the 3-4 is what we need. Now all we need is Garrett to leave. It’s not going to be right with Garrett and TO on this team….somebody has to go..

by Boyzfan94 on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

-1

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 18, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

-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 18, 2009 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yep, Garrett is about to be replaced.

cuz TO isn’t going anywhere.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Jan 19, 2009 2:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Garrett isn't going anywhere, don't kid yourself

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 19, 2009 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Consider the following...

Defense- Brian Stewart is gone now, and should have been gone a year ago. The defense shut out Stewart, they didn’t respect him, it cost us.

Wade does not want to be the DC, he was thrust into it through Stewart’s incompetence. (Apparently even Wade knew Stewart was not ready to be a DC and that’s why Capers was invited to act as a consultant) Unfortunately the team allowed Stewart to nix what might have saved his job and our ’08 season.

If Capers was considering coming here once, there’s no reason to assume he wouldn’t consider it again. Especially if he’s given the DC position and not just a consultant.

A DC who ran a 3-4, whether it’s Wade’s 3-4 or some variant, should be able to come in and add some nuance to what we already have and in theory, improve it. It’s not like going from being a podiatrist to being a neuro-surgeon. It’s football, it’s defense, it’s a 3-4.

Draft some predators for the middle..NT, ILB, SS

Offense- It looks like Carrott is back, and I believe that’s a good thing.

JG’s last trip to St. Louis was pure theater. Whether it was Billy Devaney using JG to negotiate with Spags, or JG trying to use the Rams to negotiate with Jerry or perhaps other teams. I read an article where this second visit was at JGs request, not Devaney’s. Maybe JG is posturing with Jerry or other teams. I don’t know.

If he stays, I think he will bust his butt to appear brilliant this year..for whatever the motivation he has, it should be good for us.

I thought his playcalling was vanilla this year. It drove me crazy and I wrote about it earlier in the season about how often I could predict the call. He was supposedly the reason we kept Brad Johnson as our backup. < huh? Did Brad’s arm fall off between training camp and mid-season? Felix and Tashard…I don’t know why JG didn’t use these other tools in his arsenal, earlier on? He wasn’t perfect.

I think he’s a smart guy though, and he should learn from his mistakes.

Romo – The best quarterback never to have won a playoff game (right Tex?) I like Romo, he has warts…the worst being his lack of ball protection. This is correctable and he will be working on it this year, I’m sure.

O-Line- We all know we will see some new faces on OLine next year, even if it’s just at backup.

Wide receivers- This time last year, we were all fretting about the devastating loss of Terry Glenn. We moved on. I’d like to see our receivers coach put together a highlight reel of Larry Fitzgerald and require our receivers to watch it every day, and have the caption on the screen read..“This is a receiver!”

Special teams- We were bad. Welcome Joe D, good luck, we’re asking you to turn water into wine.

The Boy’s need to tune some things, yes. I like the changes I’ve seen so far. I know I’m an eternal optomist, but I’m feeling good about retooling and going after it again.

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

by Jim Vance on Jan 18, 2009 1:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs