Has this decision doomed the Cowboys season already?

Although the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a fresh start, could this decision concerning their coaching staff have already doomed their upcoming season?

Coming off a 12-4 season, where they were undefeated on the road and won their first playoff game in five years, the Dallas Cowboys organization went about re-signing its head coach and both their offensive and defensive coordinators to long-term contracts following the 2014 regular season.

A year later, and the Cowboys might regret that decision. After losing the league’s leader rusher in running back DeMarco Murray to free agency, and both quarterback Tony Romo and wide recevier Dez Bryant to injuries, America’s Team took a downward trajectory in 2015, ending the season with an embarrassing 4-12 record.

Although a swiping pass was granted by owner and general manager Jerry Jones to the coaching staff due to key player injuries, it was expected that at least a few changes would be made. Especially considering some of the failed personnel decisions that were implemented and the team’s inability to win games without Romo under center.

But, in fact, next to no changes have been made to this Cowboys coaching staff so far. The only difference of note is at the secondary coach position as Jerome Henderson left to become the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive passing game coordinator. His replacement has yet to be hired. (Update: Now he has. University of Michigan defensive backs coach Greg Jackson is being reported as the Cowboys new safeties coach. Joe Baker will apparently move to coach the cornerbacks.)

And although there is some question as to if he’ll be back, 73-year old tight end’s coach Mike Pope is dealing with some personal issues and missed coaching in the Senior Bowl with the rest of the staff. But it appears the Cowboys are confident Pope will return.

There are a total of six coaches on the Cowboys staff whose contracts have expired. Those being defensive ends coach Ben Bloom, safeties coach Joe Baker, offensive assistants Marc Colombo and Kevin Carberry, and defensive assistant Turner West. At this point, there is still time before OTAs begin to make some changes. But an early prediction is all of them will be retained. (Update: Carberry has now reportedly been hired by the Washington Redskins as their new assistant offensive line coach, joining former Cowboys offensive line coach Bill Callahan.)

It’s a decision by this Cowboys front office that baffles one longtime Dallas sports columnist.

"“I was surprised there were so few changes made on the coaching staff,” responded Rick Gosselin during a chat on SportsDayDFW.com. “This team underachieved both on the field and on the sideline. With the head coach and two coordinators locked up to longer-term deals, I thought there’d be some shuffling of assistants. I guess Jerry Jones feels that what he has is good enough if he can get 16 games out of Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. I’m not sure I agree with him.”"

Due to a lack of development in several positions for the Cowboys, mainly at quarterback and cornerback, an argument can be made that Dallas should first make coaching changes in these areas. Henderson’s exodus partially solves one of those issues. But the Cowboys election to retain the majority of their coaching staff means they are gambling on their past success to return as long as certain key players remain healthy. It’s a risk that might have already doomed their upcoming season before it has even begun.

Next: Cowboys Free Agency: 15 Bargain Basement Players

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