Key Fix: Project Dallas Cowboys
Let’s begin… The issue with Dallas as a franchise is the expectations always exceed the performance and dedication. I know that Jerry Jones doesn’t want hear this but I also know Jerry doesn’t like losing. Sure Jerry has had plenty of advice, brought in some experts and has even made some solid decisions on his own. Unfortunately the recipe for success has been lost. First we had Jimmy Johnson, the guy was a winner and wanted things his way. I always say if the guy is proven you have to give him the slack to keep it going. Then came Bill Parcells, not quite the level of success but he was picking up the pieces from Barry Switzer’s party environment. Both of these coaches did things their way.
Personnel are a key ingredient not only on the field but in the front office. Take a look at some of the best franchises that have managed to turn things around. The people under the leader keep getting promoted into other organizations or within their own. How many folks from Dallas have been offered a job since Parcells or Johnson had left? It has to make you think. If my guys aren’t good enough to be wanted by other teams just how good are they?
So what is the fix for Dallas you ask?
Jason Garret is a great OC. I really do like his potential but I am not sure he is a leader and can be separated from Wade Phillips because of the working relationship. It’s just too familiar. So as much as he may deserve a shot we have to pass on him. Sorry Jason
Front office is a major concern. It was surprising to me that if you Google Dallas Cowboys front office that when you get the link everyone in the front office has last name Jones. Now that could be direct relative or coincidence, either way that’s a lot of last names with the same ideas. Don’t get me wrong yes the NFL has a lot of related folks in the front office, but a lot of teams don’t have the expectations of the Dallas Cowboys. When you are in competition with so many like minded people do you leave it to chance to better or do you find another way.
Step 1 Head Coaches are tough. Easy way out is Cowher, Gruden, etc… Jerry needs to tap his knack for business savvy l like he did in the past with Jimmy Johnson. Find the diamond in the rough. Find the guy who knows players and what the team will be in his image vs the guy who will do what you may or may not think is the right thing. Throwing some names out there. If Jerry can get one of these names he would be starting out on the right foot and sending a message of urgency.
- Tony Dungy brings class and resolve to any team. Excellent demeanor, in-depth knowledge of the game and will not embarrass you in anyway (ever). Proven mentor and leader of men.
- Chip Kelly…Yes I said Chip Kelly. That Oregon O, the way that team has come to play and the attitude of we are going to beat you and it won’t be close goes along way.
- Jim Harbaugh would be the third hat in the ring. Has built a program with an elite academic school. Has NFL experience at the QB position and is a man of character.
Step 2 find your core group of players. As it stands now that is Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Whitten and Felix Jones on offense with Damarcus Ware on Defense. To reflect when the Cowboys were winning their core consisted of Aikman, Smith, Irvin, and Novacek and on defense Leon Lett and Russell Maryland. It’s not even close. Romo as good as he is isn’t going to win a Super Bowl, let’s face it few QB’s do. Not to get off track but he didn’t take the advice of one of the best football minds in the game. He did become the celebrity QB before he won anything. Felix Jones is a good RB but he doesn’t have the “it” factor. It meaning that he will go out there with one arm and give you a performance you will never forget I.E. Emmit. The only one of this group that may have a chance is Dez. This is a tough pill to swallow given that to come to this conclusion Dallas has to be willing to say they have made poor personnel decisions. Good news is once they come to that conclusion it’s easier to correct. If it were up to me I trade Romo, Barber, and Jones. I would trade or cut Roy Williams. I make a go at Vincent Jackson from SD as free agent signing. I take my high draft pick and trade down. Draft the following at QB Ryan Mallet or Andrew Luck (has to be Luck if you sign Harbaugh) and as insurance draft Kellen Moore if those 2 are off the board. You also draft the kid from Boise St at WR Austin Pettis, Jaquizz Rodgers at RB and Brandon Harris at CB from Miami U. If those players come to Dallas from the draft they have an excellent shot at regaining momentum.
Step 3 Announce the party is over. There will be no more just fun in Big D. The Dallas Cowboys are the Yankees of the NFL. Start laying down the law, make it an environment that players recruit you, coaches recruit you because of the way you do business. Players, staff and partners have to understand that a fundamental change is taking place. Take a cue from New England and Kansas City.
This is a not a one year fix but it is a start. If Jerry wants to hire my services I would do it for free until we won. That’s how confident I am in this formula. Hopefully he has someone on his team with a voice and not afraid to approach him with a similar if not better solution.
