Cowboys and Coaching Changes
By Kim Dunning
The Dallas Cowboys organization says that things are changing. So far, in the off-season, they haven’t given many fans a sense that they really are changing the appropriate places where changes need to be made. It reminds me of an old saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Right now, it’s looking like this will continue to be the same team, the team that masquerades as winners.
Offensive:
Let’s take a look at the play calling on the offensive side of the ball. For the most part, we can assume that the change that has been made here will be changing from head coach Jason Garrett calling the plays to offensive line coach Bill Callahan. This may not necessarily be an upgrade. Personally, I don’t think this will be an upgrade to the play calling on the offensive side of the ball. Callahan’s history speaks for itself, both at Nebraska and the Oakland Raiders. Callahan’s teams did not succeed well. He did lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl, however, there is some controversy coming to light about that Super Bowl. During his time at Nebraska he is considered a failure for only having two winning seasons. Again, we wonder, will Callahan have complete control of the play calling duties or will Garrett still be dabbling in it as well.
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive line coach Bill Callahan on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive:
Taking a look at the defensive side of the ball and the hiring of Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator, talking with other Cowboy fans on social networks this seems to be split down the middle. Some fans consider this a huge upgrade as Dallas will be going back to the beloved 4-3 defense and other fans look at it as a big mistake due to Kiffin’s age and the fact that he’s been out of the NFL for almost 5 years and the fact that Kiffin’s defense under performed with the Buccaneers in 2008 causing them to miss the playoffs with a record of 9-7. Also we have to look at the fact that once again the Cowboys defensive players will be learning a new defense so this is a toss up and will be determined after the 2013 season.
Special Teams:
Hiring former San Diego Chargers special teams coach Rich Bisacchia I consider an upgrade. His record speaks for itself at San Diego and Dallas had the best field goal percentage thanks to Dan Bailey. The coach himself is proven, the players he will be working with are at best still learning. The foundation for good special teams is there and it’s only a matter of time before Bisacchia gets them to prove it.
Jerry Jones:
We as Cowboy fans are use to Jerry Jones, we may not be happy with him but we are use to him. Jerry has been persuasive in making us think he’s changing things. What Jerry has done was just cause more tension and chaos on the Dallas Cowboys. He has taken the power from Jason Garrett by doing the hiring of the above coaches as well as taking the play calling from Garrett. In a sense, Jerry Jones has created more of a mess than he has improved the team at this point in time. Jerry is sending the fans, the team and most importantly Garrett mixed signals. This is not a healthy team environment. How many other owners do you see so much in front of the media as you do Jerry? So there is no upgrade to Jerry Jones until Jerry Jones himself upgrades. Yes, he’s been consistently inconsistent and as Jerry goes, so does the Cowboys.
Jerry Jones promised changes and unhappy people after the season ended once again at 8-8. Jerry Jones has made changes but by making these changes, I still don’t see the Dallas Cowboys 2013 season being any different than what it has been the last few years.