A Disappointing 3-Decade History of Cowboy Coaches
The Dallas Cowboys, once a dominant force in the NFL, have faced a prolonged period of challenges and unmet expectations since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995. The 2024 season epitomized these struggles, culminating in a 7-10 record and the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy.
As the franchise embarks on a search for new leadership, the pressing question remains: can the Cowboys overcome decades of playoff disappointments and reclaim their former glory?
Chan Gailey: An Uneven Start
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In 1998, Chan Gailey took over a team with fading stars like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Despite back-to-back playoff appearances, his inflexible system clashed with the roster’s needs. After two seasons with no postseason wins, Jerry Jones decided to move on.
Dave Campo: A Rough Stretch
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Dave Campo, promoted in 2000, faced a tough situation as the roster aged. His three seasons all ended with 5-11 records, marking the Cowboys’ lowest point since the late 1980s. Campo’s inability to rebuild the team led to his dismissal in 2002.
Bill Parcells: A Hall of Fame Hire
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In 2003, Bill Parcells joined in with high expectations. He improved the team, leading them to two playoff appearances. However, key postseason losses and a lack of long-term quarterback solutions overshadowed his tenure. Parcells retired in 2006, leaving behind potential but no championships.
Wade Phillips: Mixed Success
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Another significant hiring in 2007 was of Wade Phillips. He led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in his first season. He broke their playoff drought in 2009 but struggled with consistency. A poor 1-7 start in 2010 led to his midseason firing despite his overall winning record.
Jason Garrett: Longest Tenure, Little Reward
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Jason Garrett became head coach in 2010 and stayed for nearly a decade. Despite talented rosters, his teams failed to break through in the playoffs, with only two postseason wins. Garrett’s inability to uplift the team resulted in his departure in 2019.
Mike McCarthy: Familiar Failures
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Mike McCarthy was appointed as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach in 2020, bringing with him a wealth of playoff experience. Over his five-season tenure, McCarthy led the team to a cumulative record of 49-35, including a 1-3 mark in postseason play. Despite achieving three consecutive 12-5 seasons, the Cowboys were unable to advance past the divisional round under his leadership. The 2024 season proved challenging, with the team finishing 7-10, marking their first losing season since 2020. Following this disappointing outcome, McCarthy’s contract expired, and he did not return as the Cowboys’ head coach.
A Legacy of Missed Playoff Chances
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Since 1995, the Cowboys have failed to reach the NFC Championship game. Crushing playoff losses, like Tony Romo’s botched hold in 2006, have kept them from returning to their former glory. The postseason remains their biggest obstacle.
Jerry Jones: The Overbearing Presence
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Team owner Jerry Jones continues to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ operations, including the current head coaching search. His hands-on approach has been both praised for its commitment and criticized for potentially undermining coaching authority. Jones’ involvement remains a defining feature of the franchise’s management style.
A Star Without Shine
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The Cowboys have boasted talented players like Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, and Ezekiel Elliott. Despite this, they’ve failed to convert individual success into team achievements. The lack of postseason results frustrates fans and tarnishes their reputation.
Parcells’ Impact on the Future
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Though Parcells couldn’t deliver a championship, his decision to start undrafted quarterback Tony Romo set the stage for a new era. Romo became one of the Cowboys’ most prolific players, showcasing Parcells’ lasting influence on the team.
Phillips and Garrett: Two Contrasting Eras
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Phillips brought immediate results but struggled to maintain momentum. Garrett, on the other hand, had more time but couldn’t deliver playoff breakthroughs. Both left fans wondering what might have been with stronger postseason performances.
The Curse of Mediocrity
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The Dallas Cowboys have not reached the NFC Championship game since their Super Bowl-winning 1995 season. This extended absence from the conference title game has become more pronounced with the Washington Commanders’ recent advancement to the NFC Championship in the 2024 season. As a result, the Cowboys now hold the longest active drought in reaching the NFC Championship among NFC teams.
The Dez Bryant Catch Controversy
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One of the most talked-about moments came in 2014 when Dez Bryant’s catch against Green Bay was controversially overturned. It epitomized the Cowboys’ inability to overcome bad breaks and secure key playoff wins.
Leadership Void
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From Parcells to McCarthy, the Cowboys have cycled through various coaching styles. None have managed to provide the leadership needed to recapture the team’s winning legacy. This lack of stability has been a recurring issue.
Ongoing Search for New Leadership
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In the wake of McCarthy’s departure, the Dallas Cowboys have initiated a comprehensive search for a new head coach to steer the franchise back to its former glory. The organization is considering a diverse pool of candidates, including internal options like offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who is set for a second interview. External candidates such as former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders are also under consideration. Notably, Nick Saban has publicly endorsed Sanders for the position.