BulletBob
The Godfather
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I have already posted pieces of this theory in other threads, so I just wanted to lay it all out on the line in this one to give you guys an opportunity to break my you-know-whats mercilessly if it proves to be completely false.
Theory
Jerry defined a set of objectives for Bill to reach before the season started. The objectives included winning at least one playoff game. I have no proof of this other than the fact that Jerry is a smart businessman and would in all likelihood set such objectives.
Bill failed to achieve the objectives.
Jerry is unhappy with the results and has lost his patience (you can hear this in every interview he’s given over the past 3-4 weeks).
Jerry has asked Bill to leave.
Instead of publicly firing him, Jerry has decided to create the perception that it was Bill’s decision to leave (either for a GM position or retirement because he isn’t able to muster up enough energy for next year’s grind).
Now, why would Jerry want to go through all the trouble of creating a smoke screen instead of just publicly firing Bill? Because he is a smart businessman, and has learned from past experience. It is a win-win scenario from the perspective of both parties.
Benefits from Bill’s Perspective
Benefits from Jerry’s Perspective
You’ll see a press conference within a week at which Parcells explains that he just doesn’t have it in him to go through the grind of another season. It is time to retire (or take that dream GM position).
Jerry will look sad and express his fondness for Parcells. He will stress how much better the Cowboys are for having Bill as the coach for the past 4 years, and how even though he did his best to persuade Bill to stay, he understands the decision.
The painting is complete, and no one is the wiser.
The new head coach is named shortly thereafter.
OK, Zoners – I’m on record … fire away! :shoot2:
Theory
Jerry defined a set of objectives for Bill to reach before the season started. The objectives included winning at least one playoff game. I have no proof of this other than the fact that Jerry is a smart businessman and would in all likelihood set such objectives.
Bill failed to achieve the objectives.
Jerry is unhappy with the results and has lost his patience (you can hear this in every interview he’s given over the past 3-4 weeks).
Jerry has asked Bill to leave.
Instead of publicly firing him, Jerry has decided to create the perception that it was Bill’s decision to leave (either for a GM position or retirement because he isn’t able to muster up enough energy for next year’s grind).
Now, why would Jerry want to go through all the trouble of creating a smoke screen instead of just publicly firing Bill? Because he is a smart businessman, and has learned from past experience. It is a win-win scenario from the perspective of both parties.
Benefits from Bill’s Perspective
- Rather than end his career on a very sour note (being fired), he gets to ride off into the sunset, making a convincing argument that he left the place in better shape than when he came.
- His ego remains in tact. It appears to the world that this was his decision. No one questions his motives, and everyone sees the decision as reasonable.
- He has the option of exploring GM positions, if he doesn’t want to leave football entirely.
- There is no stigma attached to him being fired if he appears as an analyst on TV, or in any other position.
Benefits from Jerry’s Perspective
- He allows Bill to leave under better circumstances than being publicly fired. This prevents Bill from having negative things to say in the press about Jerry or the organization.
- If it appears to be Bill’s decision to leave, Jerry is relieved of any consequences that result from the decision (it’s not Jerry’s fault that Bill wanted to leave).
- Jerry has experienced the media/fan backlash that resulted in the public firing of two legendary coaches. Even if the backlash would not be as great in this case, as LeBrenton pointed out, Jerry doesn’t want it written on his tombstone that he fired three hall-of-fame coaches.
- The replacement coach enters into a positive environment (instead of the increased negativity and pressure associated with a firing).
You’ll see a press conference within a week at which Parcells explains that he just doesn’t have it in him to go through the grind of another season. It is time to retire (or take that dream GM position).
Jerry will look sad and express his fondness for Parcells. He will stress how much better the Cowboys are for having Bill as the coach for the past 4 years, and how even though he did his best to persuade Bill to stay, he understands the decision.
The painting is complete, and no one is the wiser.
The new head coach is named shortly thereafter.
OK, Zoners – I’m on record … fire away! :shoot2:
ray2:
