| Douglas Benton. 25th January, 2007 - 4:06 pm
 On Monday, Bill Parcells decided four years was enough in the Texas sun as he decided to step down as Dallas Cowboys’ head coach and retire from football all together. Now the Cowboys brass has been sent scrambling to find someone to lead this team that appears to be bubbling over the top with young talent.
It is this young talent that will be the lasting memory of Bill Parcells’ time in Dallas that was marked with progress, but only two playoff appearances and no playoff wins that Cowboy fans were expecting when he was hired.
However, the shape he left this franchise in can’t be underestimated because he took over a team without a direction and an overall lack of talent on both sides of the ball and in the coaching staff. Now, he has blown up the old 4-3 defense and installed the 3-4 system equipped with top playmakers at each level, including Jason Ferguson, DeMarcus Ware, Terrance Newman and Roy Williams.
He, along with owner/general manager Jerry Jones, have also helped the offense with additions in Jason Witten, Julius Jones and that guy named T.O. They have also appeared to have found they quarterback of the future in Tony Romo, who has been aided by the excellent staff Parcells created. It has produced high-level coaches including New Orleans Saints’ head coach Sean Payton and new Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
This now takes us to who will replace the Big Tuna and help keep the winning ways that haven’t been seen at Valley Ranch since the days of Jimmy Johnson. Here are four coaches who could do the job and deserve an interview in this process:
Norv Turner, Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers
Turner is a former Cowboys assistant who is still considered a very good coach by Jerry Jones. He is a brilliant offensive mind who will be very beneficial to the development of Romo, but his career head coaching record of 58-74-1 leaves more questions than answers. Turner has the ability to be a good head coach if he is able to work within his limitations and should be at the top of his list for the Cowboys.
Wade Phillips, Defensive Coordinator, San Diego Chargers
Phillips has head coaching experience on his side with the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, but neither spot produced great successes. Phillips has shown in San Diego that he can coach defense and his expertise in the 3-4 should be a plus and his stance to deviate power to his assistants is something admirable. His offensive coordinator choice should be talked about in the interview, but another fine choice for Dallas.
Dan Reeves, Former Head Coach, Denver Broncos/New York Giants/Atlanta Falcons
Most proven candidate in the running and a former Cowboy who will resonate with the long-time Cowboy supporters. He has handled young quarterbacks before in John Elway and Michael Vick, albeit not always the best. He has been to four Super Bowls as a head coach and could be the best choice in getting the Cowboys to the Super Bowl next season. However, his ability to relate to today’s player is a black mark on his resume.
Mike Zimmer, Defensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons
It is somewhat of a long shot because he just took the Falcons’ job, but his familiarity with the organization and current roster will be very beneficial. He is fiery and someone who can keep energy in the organization and would create a smooth transition as far as scheme goes for this team.
As a side note, a rumor has started about Lovie Smith heading to Dallas after the Super Bowl. His contract expires after this season and if he expresses interest in becoming the Cowboys coach, the Texas native will jump to the front of this list. However, that doesn’t look realistic right now. |
