04/23/24
February 08, 2007
Son Of A Bum!: San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator and former Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons head coach Wade Phillips has been tapped to take over the reins of the Dallas Cowboys. Former Dallas quarterback Jason Garrett, who had also been interviewed, has been hired for an unannounced coaching spot.
Yes, Jason Garrett will be the Offensive Coordinator while Wade Phillips is the Head Coach. The reason why Norv Turner was passed over was because Norv would've wanted to run his own offense and also wouldn't of been comfortable having a 3-4 defense. With Wade calling the shots, he knows the 3-4 scheme that was implemented by Bill Parcells and will let Jason Garrett handle the offense. It just made no sense to bring in Norv Turner when he and Jason Garrett run similar offenses anyways. Plus, Norv Turner would've never wanted to give up the reins to Jason Garrett as the eventual successor to the Dallas head coaching job in the near future.
posted by BornIcon at 09:01 PM on February 08, 2007
I think Phillips will be a good fit for Dallas. He and his dad are very well liked here in Texas. And he's a pretty good coach.
posted by texasred at 05:56 AM on February 09, 2007
From Bill Parcells to Wade Phillips. Wow. Having witnessed the guy as the head man in Buffalo, all I can say is, Good Luck! There are certain guys who seem suited to be coordinators, period. He's one of them. Gregg Williams was another. Mike Mularkey too. Actually, maybe it's just guys Buffalo hires. But outside of the southern-drawl thing, he's nothing like his daddy. Wait until T.O. starts walking all over this wishy-washy guy! Keep the seat warm for a real head coach, Wade!
posted by dyams at 07:20 AM on February 09, 2007
I thought they were going to go with Ron Rivera despite the 3-4 defense. This could certainly come back to haunt me, but as an Eagles fan I'm glad they went with Phillips instead of Rivera.
posted by SummersEve at 07:23 AM on February 09, 2007
I understand that all the other teams in the NFC are going to have a party to celebrate Jone's latest stupid move.
posted by sleber at 07:31 AM on February 09, 2007
I think in the short run this will work for the cowboys. I rather doubt that Bum will make it all the way through his contract though. Garrett by then should be ready to run the show. If you ask me their biggest problem is dealing with T O! The sooner they say so long to him, the sooner they get to their goal of a superbowl. Come on people, this guys performance on the field isn't worth the crap from him off it! He is like Vick in Atlanta, a coach killer! Moooooove along little doggie, that's what cowboy's do. Or need to do.
posted by robi8259 at 07:52 AM on February 09, 2007
Come on people, this guys performance on the field isn't worth the crap from him off it! He is like Vick in Atlanta, a coach killer! Two different kind of coach killers. One because he runs his mouth, and the other because of his on the field play.
posted by jmd82 at 07:58 AM on February 09, 2007
Whoa. Wade Philips? Whoa. This is intend a strange and disturbing universe.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:04 AM on February 09, 2007
It'll all work out in the end, just you watch. GO COWBOYS!!
posted by BornIcon at 08:16 AM on February 09, 2007
Jason Garrett as the eventual successor to the Dallas head coaching job in the near future Garrett by then should be ready to run the show. The man has only 2 years "coaching" experience. There is absolutely no way anyone knows what kind of coordinator he will be, much less a head coach. Deion Sanders could be a better coach, based on all the information anybody has.
posted by bdaddy at 08:19 AM on February 09, 2007
That's the point for bringing in someone like Wade Phillips, in a sense to groom Jason Garrett for the future as the head coach. Jason Garrett's stock has risen in the coaching ranks so don't be surprised when the Cowboys move into their new facility that Garrett will take over. "Deion Sanders could be a better coach, based on all the information anybody has" Who's to say that Deion couldn't be a decent head coach? If people would've said that Herm Edwards or Jack Del Rio would've been head coaches in the NFL, I'm sure that some people would have just laughed it off. Look at them now though.
posted by BornIcon at 08:44 AM on February 09, 2007
What a boring hire! At least take a risk, get someone young and different. Hiring a retread who hasn't had success as a head coach before is wimpy.
posted by bperk at 08:46 AM on February 09, 2007
Wade Phillips is an idiot. He said that Jerry Jones was a fellow football man. He's a yes man exactly what that A-hole Jones wanted. I never have liked the Cowboys. Now it's official, I hate 'em. If they go anywhere next year it won't last, They will eventually lose their talent and return to Detroit Lion status. Hopefully, Dallas fans will rise up and force Jerry Jones back to being an owner not a fake lousy coach.
posted by OneLbRibEye at 08:53 AM on February 09, 2007
Who's to say that Deion couldn't be a decent head coach? If people would've said that Herm Edwards or Jack Del Rio would've been head coaches in the NFL, I'm sure that some people would have just laughed it off. Look at them now though. That was exactly my point. The same could be said for any former player. But you just don't ANNOINT them as head coaches without actually letting them COACH and see how they do. That seems to be the step that Garret is missing.
posted by bdaddy at 09:07 AM on February 09, 2007
Granted it doesn't sound like a blocbuster hire, but I don't understand the trashing of Phillips. From looking at his past experience he has a winning record and took 2 teams to the playoffs. Buffalo went from under .500 to the playoffs in his first year. I can't understand why he is even available. I'm not arguing either side here, I just haven't followed his carrer. What am I missing?
posted by louisville_slugger at 09:14 AM on February 09, 2007
I never have liked the Cowboys. Now it's official, I hate 'em There you go, then you have no reason to even have an opinion about the Cowboys latest hire. My 'Boys will never be that low as to have Detriot Lions "status", the Dallas organization has too much pride. That seems to be the step that Garrett is missing Not necessarily, Jason Garrett started as a QB coach and was also the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins before accepting the same position for the Dallas job. Again, he's being groomed to be the future head coach so it's not like it's going to happen this instant. It takes time. I'm not arguing either side here, I just haven't followed his career. What am I missing? Nothing at all, this was a fine hire.
posted by BornIcon at 09:16 AM on February 09, 2007
I'm not arguing either side here, I just haven't followed his carrer. What am I missing? The playoffs is what is missing. He hasn't won a game as a head coach in the playoffs. The year after he left the Broncos after the second straight year as 4th in the AFC West, they were first in the AFC West. Then at the Bills, he had some weird affection for Rob Johnson when Flutie was clearly the better choice and he cost his team a playoff win. He has never shown an aptitude for being a great head coach. The Cowboys interviewed a dozen candidates and they ended up with a head coach that is okay, but not great. Yippee!
posted by bperk at 09:34 AM on February 09, 2007
What am I missing? The guy just doesn't have what it takes to run an entire team. I've said it earlier, I'll say it again: He's as wishy-washy as they come. Wait until you see his ridiculous presence at news conferences. People got used to at least being entertained with lively interviews with Parcells. This guy will beat around the bush sounding like he's got marbles in his mouth, and in the meantime, he'll show he's incapable of solving any problems that come up. His unwillingness to make a decision, and to take control of the locker room, caused the huge team problem in Buffalo that resulted from the Doug Flutie-Rob Johson controversy. From the sound of it, he couldn't even reel in Flutie and tell him to keep his mouth shut, so how's he ever going to handle Owens when he starts crap? The Cowboys are on a long, long playoff winless streak, and Phillips has never won a playoff game as a head coach. Sounds like a perfect match to keep the mediocrity going. Saying a guy was above .500 at Buffalo isn't that great an endorsment. He'll coach the team for a year or so, then sink back into the background where he belongs. He wouldn't even have gotten this job the way it sounds if Norv Turner hadn't already questioned Garrett's hiring prior to him (Turner) even being offered the job. And while we're at it, what kind of a dipshit hires an offensive coodinator, with practically no experience, before he's even filled the head coach spot? Wow, the Cowboys have really fallen from the stature they once enjoyed.
posted by dyams at 09:35 AM on February 09, 2007
Perfect fit for Dallas. An idiot who will let another idiot run the show.
posted by scottypup at 09:41 AM on February 09, 2007
Whoa. Wade Philips? Yep, it only took Jerry 1 ride around the barn to figger out Wade has no chance at being a bigger STAR than Jerry. Moooooove along little doggie, that's what cowboy's do. Terrell should be cut out of the herd and branded as a maverick, for sure. Hopefully, Dallas fans will rise up and force Jerry Jones back to being an owner not a fake lousy coach. Naw, his fake coaching goes quite well with his fake face. Plus, Norv Turner would've never wanted to give up the reins to Jason Garrett as the eventual successor to the Dallas head coaching job in the near future. Born Icon, you sure seem to have this all figgered out, but until you throw in a reference to BBQ or women with big hair, I can't possibly take you seriously. Nothing at all, this was a fine hire. Sigh. Go Texans.
posted by mjkredliner at 09:49 AM on February 09, 2007
BornIcon, you sure seem to have this all figgered out, but until you throw in a reference to BBQ or women with big hair, I can't possibly take you seriously. How about I wrote that while I was eating a BBQ steak sandwich made by a woman with hair 3ft high & rising.
posted by BornIcon at 10:12 AM on February 09, 2007
Havnt read all comments here just yet so if this has been mentioned already....well....then I should have read more comments before commenting. Seems to me J. Jones is the ACTUAL head coach of the Cowboys and has wanted that since he bought the team. Finally he has the opertunity to hire a few decent "puppets" to play with with his wirery fingers pulling all the strings. Who knows though, the Cowboys don't seem to have too many down years in a row (see: Okland Radiers, Detroit Lions). JJ just might make it work.
posted by Folkways at 10:23 AM on February 09, 2007
I was waiting to see what mjk would say on this one, because I've been surprised to see Dallas fans endorsing this move. I'm glad that at least one of y'all agrees with my take on this. In my mind this is an awful hire. The time to groom a future head coach was under Parcells, not after he's gone. Wade Phillips was woeful in Buffalo and strikes me as the kind of guy who should stick with coordinating -- kind of like Norv Turner!
posted by Venicemenace at 10:41 AM on February 09, 2007
3ft high & rising... Nice with the reference. I approve this message.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:57 AM on February 09, 2007
I agree that maybe someone should've been groomed under Bill Parcells but Jerry Jones didn't want to have to 'tip-toe around' ceertain subjects and with Parcells, that's exactly what he was doing. He knew that Bill couldn't be controlled and therefore hired someone that he could control. Saying that, I still don't think it was as bad a hire as some may believe. Wade Phillips will continue with the 3-4 defense that worked so well in Dallas (with a few additions of course) but with Jason Garrett as the offensive coordinator, the offense should improve. That's why they play the game. Nice with the reference. I approve this message Thanks, Weedy. That was my De La Soul remark.
posted by BornIcon at 11:01 AM on February 09, 2007
What do you guys think Phillips/Garrett will do at QB? Is Romo the future even after he crumbled down the stretch and self-destructed in dramatic fashion?
posted by Venicemenace at 11:06 AM on February 09, 2007
but with Jason Garrett as the offensive coordinator, the offense should improve. What about Jason Garrett's brief stint as QB coach in Miami has convinced you that he will be a successful offensive coordinator?
posted by bperk at 11:08 AM on February 09, 2007
Right on, bperk. Quarterbacks coach in Miami? That position was probably the biggest bust of the past season! What a complete and utter disaster. It's the only time in the history of football you'll probably hear fans openly wishing for a return to Jay Fielder. He looked like Elway compared to the crap they tried to "pass" off this past year.
posted by dyams at 11:14 AM on February 09, 2007
I don't think this is as bad as most of you. Wade Phillips is a great defensive coach and will help shore up the D in Big D. Just look what he has done for the Chargers defense the past two years. . The Phillips' introduced the 34 defense to the NFL and Wade runs a different version than what Parcells had been running. The Cowboys must get better on defense or this team will not win a playoff game anytime soon. The offense put up close to 425 points last season which I believe placed them 3rd in the league (could be wrong on #'s) so if the defense can improve I think this is a good if not great team. Garrett's role has yet to be defined, however it is widely believed he will be named the offensive coordinator. I'm not so sure though...... The time to groom a future head coach was under Parcells, not after he's gone. I agree. His name is Tony Sporano. Dallas has denied permission for him to interview for at least two off coordinator positions this season (San Diego/Cleveland) and denied Sean Payton permission to interview him last year for the Siants job. While he's a virtual unknown coach, he did handle some of the play calling duties last season under Parcells and according to Jerry Jones he will have an expaned role in the offense this season. Only time will tell for sure but I wouldn't be so quick to assume Jaosn Garrett will be the running the offense alone. He is quite inexperienced. Wade Phillips is an idiot. He said that Jerry Jones was a fellow football man. He's a yes man exactly what that A-hole Jones wanted Didn't realize you knew them both on a personal level. Have you any factual information to support this or are you just talkin out of your ass? If I'm not mistaken, Jerry Jones played football at Arkansas and he owns the Dallas Cowboys. I think that would qualify him as a football man. They will eventually lose their talent and return to Detroit Lion status WTF? About the only parallel I see between these two franchises is that they both play on Thanksgiving day. Unless your only ten years old, you should know better than to make such a ridiculous statement. Do you even watch football?
posted by ampto11 at 11:18 AM on February 09, 2007
what puzzles me is, as dyams pointed out, why would you make a hire of an assistant before your head coach? 'Unannounced coaching spot'? 'Double secret probation' "Wade, you are my head coach now. Welcome aboard. As for your staff, here's a head start." Maybe Jason got the Suck up to Jerry spot that has been open since Parcells got to Dallas. I wonder what the real title is for that spot. Repeat after me: Jerry has rings...You do not...
posted by ruff at 11:32 AM on February 09, 2007
The reason that Jason Garrett was selected before a head coach, was because if nothing panned out as far as selecting a new head coach, then Garrett would've been given the job. People are overlooking the fact that he was the QB coach then became the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins. It's not that he did an awful job but look at the talent he had, a injured Daunte' Culpepper and Joey Harrington. Give the guy a chance and with the weapon the Cowboys have, don't be surprised to see my 'Boys go deep in the playoffs.
posted by BornIcon at 11:49 AM on February 09, 2007
It's not that he did an awful job but look at the talent he had, a injured Daunte' Culpepper and Joey Harrington. Realizing Culpepper was indeed injured in '05, was it, in fact determined his problems last year were due to lingering problems from that injury? I'm sure that's possible, but I'm also a firm believer the guy was overrated his first few years in Minnesota and has been gradually declining ever since. Drew Brees, although a different person, battled through a serious injury, joined a new team, and was able to shine. So was it injury, a poor offense, a poor offensive system, or a overrated quarterback? We may never know.
posted by dyams at 12:03 PM on February 09, 2007
We may never know Actually, we will know by next year when Culpepper returns to the Dolphins and Jason Garrett has some actual talent to work with.
posted by BornIcon at 12:17 PM on February 09, 2007
Is Romo the future even after he crumbled down the stretch and self-destructed in dramatic fashion? I'd say you're overstating your case a little bit. He did come down to earth over the last few games, as did the rest of the cowboys. Defenses adjusted. We'll see how he bounces back next year, but I think he's got some talent. As far as self destructing, he got the team in position to win a playoff game on the road. That's impressive. Get a new holder and the 'self destructing' is solved.
posted by justgary at 12:19 PM on February 09, 2007
So was it injury, a poor offense, a poor offensive system, or a overrated quarterback? Culpepper's injury was much more serious than Brees' injury. What was overrated about him? He was drafted behind the likes of Tim Couch and Akili Smith? I think he has been good value until his injury. People are overlooking the fact that he was the QB coach then became the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins. When was he offensive coordinator of the Dolphins? Mularkey was the offensive coordinator last year, Linehan the year before.
posted by bperk at 12:25 PM on February 09, 2007
I wonder how much of this is Parcells waiting until a lot of the top flight assistants had been hired. This hiring looks like something that the Arizona Cardinals would have done. As a Broncos fan who lived through the "Wade" era, it wasn't good.
posted by jc at 12:25 PM on February 09, 2007
"Get a new holder and the 'self destructing' is solved" Your correct, justgary. I think the "self-destruction" comment was a bit over-zealous but Tony Romo will not be holding at all going into next season.
posted by BornIcon at 12:30 PM on February 09, 2007
I'd say you're overstating your case a little bit. Yeah, that was a bit of intentional hyperbole trying to stir up some discussion. Still, I'm not entirely sold on Romo. I suppose I'll have to wait and see what this Jason Garrett fella is able to accomplish with Romo at the reins for a full season. Is Romo clearly better than Culpepper/Harrington? I'd like to believe so -- he's certainly more likable from where I sit -- but I don't think that's exactly a closed book at this point. Also, one minor point: the kick on which he "pulled a Tony Romo" was to take the lead, not necessarily for the win.
posted by Venicemenace at 12:46 PM on February 09, 2007
I would say at this point, Tony Romo is better than Culpepper and Harrington. For one, Romo doesn't have a bum knee and secondly, he's not Joey Harrington. THANK GOD.
posted by BornIcon at 12:49 PM on February 09, 2007
What was overrated about him? If you don't like "overrated" how about very inconsistent. He had a few really good years, and a few quite poor ones in Minnesota. Also, this column brings up some of the concerns I have on Culpepper (even though we are getting a bit off the topic of Wade Phillips). And where he went in the draft, after teams completely blew picks on Couch and Smith, doesn't really matter. He was/is talented, regardless.
posted by dyams at 12:58 PM on February 09, 2007
Well, I'll agree to disagree with you until we have a thread where we can talk about Daunte.
posted by bperk at 01:18 PM on February 09, 2007
As a Charger fan, I'm sad to see him go, especially since we've already lost Cam Cameron to the Dolphins. Even with Marty around, that was a pretty good coaching staff; or at least the results on the field (playoff games notwithstanding) seemed to demonstrate that. Hopefully Wade does well in his new position, and hopefully we're able to get an adequate replacement for him.
posted by LionIndex at 01:24 PM on February 09, 2007
Well, I'll agree to disagree with you until we have a thread where we can talk about Daunte. I'm sure there are those who disagree, but I have zero problems with tangentially related topics coming up for debate - as long as they are not incredibly controversial political issues and still have something to do with sports and the topic at hand. Culpepper = coached by Garrett = new OC for Wade Phillips = fits my definition of acceptable topic.
posted by Venicemenace at 01:47 PM on February 09, 2007
Alright, then, you talked me into it, and I will make it as relevant to the FPP as possible. First, if the article dyam linked to is accurate and the problem was not Daunte's knee, then that does not reflect positively on Garrett. Culpepper managed to have success under both Tice and Green and those coordinators. Before 2005, Culpepper had two years that haven't been great, his first year and his first year under Tice. That's pretty much it. He started out 2005 incredibly poorly, along with the rest of the team, and I don't know if we have seen him full strength yet. I just can't fathom any real reason why a QB who has played so well in the NFL could struggle so mightily all of a sudden. I don't think he is a prima donna because I haven't heard anyone else ever call him that. I guess we will find out next season.
posted by bperk at 02:08 PM on February 09, 2007
How about I wrote that while I was eating a BBQ steak sandwich made by a woman with hair 3ft high & rising. Martha from Marfa. I know her well.
posted by mjkredliner at 03:06 PM on February 09, 2007
Well said, bperk. I truly was wondering if it was Daunte's knee; his head because of his knee; his head in general (possibly due to not working enough and/or preparing); or possibly had something to do with the offense or coaching, which Garrett had something to do with. Even though I don't like the Vikings, I expected big things from Culpepper since he burst on the scene. Like the story I linked alluded to, he may have to work at changing his game, due to the injury and also age. The thing I do like about Garrett is that he comes from a strong academic college. I'd have to assume he's quite bright, so I'm willing to see what he can accomplish (not like it matters what I'm willing to do). Phillips though? He has something definite to prove, and soon.
posted by dyams at 06:14 PM on February 09, 2007
Jerry Jones is hilarious. He finally hired a coach in Parcells who had the gravitas to do it his way despite Jerry's meddling and had some success. Now he's back in full Dave Campo mode, hiring a failed head coach instead of an untested assistant, but still someone whose every move he can dictate. Let me make clear that I am not a Cowboy hater. I'm a Jerry Jones hater. The way he treated Tom Landry (and to a lesser extent Tex Schram) was unforgiveable. I have not, and I will not, ever pull for a team this A hole is associated with. What I WOULD pay to see is a fight to the death between Jones and "Stalag" Coughlin. Where's Celebrity Death Match when you need them? I feel sorry for Romo. Kid's got real potential, but watch th team sink to below .500. Andy Reid sleeps well tonight.
posted by gradioc at 06:14 PM on February 09, 2007
Gentlemen.... (Whoops!, Sorry SummersEve...I meant People (gotta be PC)) While I whole-heartily agree that Jerry Jones would love to think he'd be the ultimate coach...Does anyone else besides ME think that BUM Phillips (Sorry, I meant Wade) is anything other than a bridge? Please, allow me to explain...A certain rather successful coach has recently called it quits, Oh let's call him Bill Cowher; shall we? Well, Mr. Cowher stated he would like to kickback and spend more time with the Fam...Admirable of course BUT, I'm guessing based on his age that it is entirely likely that in a year (or two), old Bill just might want to get back into to coaching. Now, despite Jerry Jones’s immense ego, I'm thinking that just maybe; he might want to make one damn serious pitch to the aforementioned Bill Cowher (If San Diego, who will likely sack Marty "Can't win a big one" Schottenheimer) doesn’t get him first.
posted by R_A_Mason at 12:31 AM on February 10, 2007
LOL, that's funny about Bill Cowher and the idea he would think about the San Diego coaching job. Think about it, in a way it makes since. Coming from the Steelers who have always had the rep for paying people on the low end scale, compared to the rest of the league. Why would he consider the chargers who in my opinion are second on the pay scale list. He comes back to coach he can ask his price and get it. And we all know that Jones has the deep pockets and likes to prooove it time and again. Big D could be a place he could end up in some day.
posted by robi8259 at 07:23 AM on February 10, 2007
R_A_Mason, I think it would have been more PC to call SummersEve a gentleman. His profile does say he's male.
posted by apoch at 09:04 AM on February 10, 2007
apoch, Thanks for the Heads up and Summer, please accept my apology. I guess I better check the profiles before posting so I don't have to look like a complete Ass, I foolishly went strictly by the name which is, if not mistaken, also the name of a feminine hygiene product.
posted by R_A_Mason at 10:23 AM on February 10, 2007
that ol SummersEve, he's such a card
posted by texasred at 12:02 PM on February 10, 2007
Mmmm, vinegar.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:29 PM on February 10, 2007
They did the blockbuster hire head coach thing, might as well go with the company man this time. Ultimately the Cowboys are Jerry Jones instrument, not a sacred public trust. Phillips as the bridge to the eventual Coach Garrett? Looks like outsourcing just hit the NFL.
posted by Newbie Walker at 12:59 AM on February 11, 2007
I thought it was already settled that Garrett would be the offensive coordinator?