4 suggestions for how the Dallas Cowboys can end the drought

It has been 26 grueling years for Dallas Cowboys fans. That is how long it has been since America’s Team made it to the final game of the National Football Conference.  For the most part of three decades, an appearance in title games was a Cowboys fan’s birthright. Fourteen NFC Championship appearances from 1970-1995.

Eight Super Bowl appearances in that same span of 25 years. Since 1995, 26 years ago, the number to remember on both counts is zero — one big fat zero. What is the problem? How does one fix it? The one constant through the 26-year drought is the Jones family.

From 1960 to 1988, Cowboys ownership was settled on its head coach. It was Tom Landry. Compared to that record of longevity, the head coaching position in Dallas has turned into a revolving door. Clint Murchison Jr. had one coach for the Cowboys’ first 28 years. Jerry Jones has had eight coaches for the next 31.

It’s accurate to say that the greatest run of Cowboys’ sustained success preceded Jerry Jones as owner. It is also true that Jones’ greatest success was built with Jimmy Johnson as head coach. When Johnson departed, the Cowboys’ days of championship success quickly evaporated.

Barry Switzer was at the helm for two NFC title games (1994,95), and one Super Bowl Championship (95), but the rosters were largely the work of the Johnson era. Since Switzer, the Cowboys have tried Chan Gailey (1998-99), Dave Campo (2000-02), Bill Parcells (2003-06), Wade Phillips (2007-10), Jason Garrett (2010-19), and now Mike McCarthy at head coach. Different leaders, same results.

The Jones family will not be relinquishing the Cowboys anytime soon. But here are four suggestions for how to end the drought.