DMN Blog: Dan Reeves speaks

[theogt]

I'm not saying that Wade's going to be fired. I'm saying there's virtually no way Jerry goes into next season with the status quo. He'll try to get a solution he can live with with half-measures like hiring Reeves as a consultant if he can, but at the back of his mind he's expecting to change HC next offseason if this season's changes don't work.

Now, we're moving on from plan A--whatever all that really entailed. I'm sure there's a plan B that may or may not work. But at some point he's going to weigh how happy he is with his backup plan options against just making the move to one of several experienced coaches anyway. It wouldn't be out of character in the least to wake up one day next week and hear that Jerry's negotiated a deal with Holmgren, etc. and pulled the trigger early.

That doesn't make sense at all. This was Wade's plan, not Jerry's. This was a guy Wade was bringing in, not Jerry. Why do people continue to think this was Jerry bringing in someone to oversee Wade?

 

[theogt]

Doesn't seem like it but it's possible. Reeves thought JJ was okay to take TO out and JJ changed his mind. Perhaps one of the things was the wording regarding personnel.

I seriously doubt Reeves would have a "me or TO" clause in his contract -- or more accurately, based on Reeves words, that Jerry would insert a clause that says you can't suggest to cut TO. That's absurd.

 

[jterrell]

I am truly saddened that we have become such emotional wimps; raging and bellyaching at the slightest provocation. This boo hoo attitude has to stop.

I know this is not the popular view but I am glad that Reeves or any other consultant was not brought in because we would be straddling the fence and that is begging for mediocrity.

I am of the opinion that we should either fire Wade and Co or let them coach. No coach wants someone second-guessing their every move. I could care less if Wade public speak says so. It is time to **** or get off the pot.

Wade is either going to be here or not. The NFL is too fickle to give up this early. You all can have my white flag at least let us get past the draft and free agency first.

I am 100% in support of you on the crying thing.
Yes, we all felt frustrated by a horrible season ending loss and failed expectations but wow, it has been overkill galore.
We have posters who haven't stopped sobbing long enough to wipe their tears. It is just depressing all the way around.

However, I felt like Reeves was a step in the direction of giving Wade his voice. Reeves as offensive consultant and Wade sounding board is what I wanted because that's what Wade wanted. I like Wade. I think there are issues he has to tackle more directly and he should work to change some perceptions but I like that he isn't a raging egomaniac who is going to run off to make money as an ESPN talking head because he actually loves to coach football.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

At this point, to be perfectly honest, I don't care what the one thing was. It will be something stupid that one side, or the other, couldn't just let go in order to get a deal done and it will only make this stupid situation even more stupid.

 

[khiladi]

Jason Garrett strikes again...What does this guy have on Jerry Jones?

 

[jterrell]

I seriously doubt Reeves would have a "me or TO" clause in his contract -- or more accurately, based on Reeves words, that Jerry would insert a clause that says you can't suggest to cut TO. That's absurd.

Reeves stated he didn't have enough information as an insider yet to even advise regarding T.O. and he didn't think the team had a decision regarding T.O. at this point.

He clarified that his earlier statements were from his basic beliefs in team chemistry but you make those decisions with far more info once you are an insider.

So I doubt seriously this was a T.O. issue.

Again... the guys states it was something JERRY WANTED ADDED to the contract that became the deal breaker.

 

[theogt]

Reeves stated he didn't have enough information as an insider yet to even advise regarding T.O. and he didn't think the team had a decision regarding T.O. at this point.

He clarified that his earlier statements were from his basic beliefs in team chemistry but you make those decisions with far more info once you are an insider.

So I doubt seriously this was a T.O. issue.

Again... the guys states it was something JERRY WANTED ADDED to the contract that became the deal breaker.

All these Dallas reporters have their moles, now put them to use. I have to know what that 'one thing' was.

 

[khiladi]

All these Dallas reporters have their moles, now put them to use. I have to know what that 'one thing' was.

It's called Assistant Head Coach... The title that was given to Jason Garrett...

 

[khiladi]

Reeves stated he didn't have enough information as an insider yet to even advise regarding T.O. and he didn't think the team had a decision regarding T.O. at this point.

He clarified that his earlier statements were from his basic beliefs in team chemistry but you make those decisions with far more info once you are an insider.

So I doubt seriously this was a T.O. issue.


Again... the guys states it was something JERRY WANTED ADDED to the contract that became the deal breaker.

How many times is it going to be repeated ad nauseum that Dan Reeves wanted TO out, but Jerry didn't want it, so Reeves quit...Funny thing is, Smith is on ESPN all the time, and he says Reeves was here to baby-sit Garrett...

 

[Shake_Tiller]

Having been a small child when Dan Reeves made his mark in Dallas, and having, as a small child, gotten his autograph at a personal appearance at a Skillern's Drug Store (things were different in those days), I am a big fan of Number 30. I think he is the closest thing to being Tom Landry's coaching "son."

Still, I had mixed emotions about Reeves joining the team in what seemed such a nebulous position. It was going to be good to see Reeves likely end his football career as a "Cowboy," but what was his role?

Now that the thing is collapsed, what concerns me is the appearance of chos. Granted, the appearance of a thing doesn't necessarily mean the thing is real. But it is difficult to look at the way the Reeves deal went down, and down, and down... without fearing that the organization is dissolving into some level of chaos.

It appears, regardless of whether you are pro-, anti- or neutral-Jerry, the man has too much on his plate. I have the feeling he recognizes it and maybe saw the addition of Reeves as a source of some relief. At least, I have the feeling Reeves saw the situation that way.

But I don't think Jerry is willing to release any formal control -- certainly not a title. Reeves probably wanted a title that reflected near general manager status... maybe Sr. Veep of Football Operations or something. Jones probably wanted him to take an Asst. Head Coach type title.

Jones wants to be seen as the football guy. That's not meant to be as critical as it sounds. He has made it very clear. I don't think he wants anyone in the organization to have a title that might undercut that perception.

 

[adbutcher]

I am 100% in support of you on the crying thing.
Yes, we all felt frustrated by a horrible season ending loss and failed expectations but wow, it has been overkill galore.
We have posters who haven't stopped sobbing long enough to wipe their tears. It is just depressing all the way around.

However, I felt like Reeves was a step in the direction of giving Wade his voice. Reeves as offensive consultant and Wade sounding board is what I wanted because that's what Wade wanted. I like Wade. I think there are issues he has to tackle more directly and he should work to change some perceptions but I like that he isn't a raging egomaniac who is going to run off to make money as an ESPN talking head because he actually loves to coach football.

I can see your point but as the head coach Wade needs to be the one to reel in Red and the team. If he cannot do that then what good is he?

Now I like Wade, but it has been proven that players say they want to be treated like men but they didn't reward Wade when he did so.

It is time for him to sack up. He doesn't have to yell, scream, and cuss. He just need to hold their feet to the fire. When they screw up, say so. No more putting lipstick and a dress on a pig while it is snorting and rolling around in the mud.

The only thing, Wade 2.0 could backfire big time but I am optimistic that the players have enough personal pride that they won't tank the season.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

May be a stupid guess, but does anyone think the one thing they couldn't agree on was Owens being on the team?

Not stupid in the least.

As I have said before, Reeves left the Dallas Cowboys as a bitter little man in the 70s (as a coach) when Sid Gilman was anointed to run the offense. At the time, Reeves was also whimpering that Duane Thomas had been coddled too much by Landry. Landry coddling?

Even then, Reeves did not understand the modern athlete. At Atlanta he knew them even less. These modern athletes are well paid, outspoken (or in Duane's case no speaking) and those who know their rights and are, probably, in Reeves mind, "uppity."

Reeves is a relic. Let's not revisit the 90s.
if he went home to Georgia in a snit is no skin off of our collective nose.

And by now Reeves should know he can't dictate to anyone. Not to an owner, not to a GM and certainly not to the modern athlete. Like many, the sport has by now passed him up.
Sorry, Danny, but I had to be blunt. Hmmm. Speaking of blunt . . . .

 

[cobra]

The 'one thing'?

Here is my guess based on the tea leaves.

It appears that Dan Reeves could not agree about a coaching responsibility that was put into the contract. Dan just wanted to be in an executive role.

Of course, there are only two coaching roles which Dan Reeves would fill, and they are both occupied: HC and OC.

So, my guess is that the "coaching responsibility" was an agreement to assume a coaching role if the current occupant is fired. Jerry wanted Dan to agree to do it; Dan did not.

The next question is which role? I'm not sure being interim OC would be something that Dan would have that big of a problem with if JG left.

But I think Dan has a degree of loyalty and closeness to Wade.

Therefore, my guess as to the "one thing" Jerry wanted in the contract that Dan would not agree to is that Dan would agree to take the head coaching job if Wade is fired. Dan would not agree to that because he does not want to a HC job and because he does not want Wade to think he came in and made it easier for Jerry to fire Wade.

That's my guess.

 

[jterrell]

The 'one thing'?

Here is my guess based on the tea leaves.

It appears that Dan Reeves could not agree about a coaching responsibility that was put into the contract. Dan just wanted to be in an executive role.

Of course, there are only two coaching roles which Dan Reeves would fill, and they are both occupied: HC and OC.

So, my guess is that the "coaching responsibility" was an agreement to assume a coaching role if the current occupant is fired. Jerry wanted Dan to agree to do it; Dan did not.

The next question is which role? I'm not sure being interim OC would be something that Dan would have that big of a problem with if JG left.

But I think Dan has a degree of loyalty and closeness to Wade.

Therefore, my guess as to the "one thing" Jerry wanted in the contract that Dan would not agree to is that Dan would agree to take the head coaching job if Wade is fired. Dan would not agree to that because he does not want to a HC job and because he does not want Wade to think he came in and made it easier for Jerry to fire Wade.

That's my guess.

That is in intriguing theory.

I keep changing guesses after every Reeves interview but I am wondering if it wasn't a clause forcing Reeves to enter a personal services deal with the team that makes him financially tied to the team or pay an out.

In a way it is what you are saying but without using Wade's name bluntly.

I think Jerry grew fatigued by Big Bill taking every off-season as a feeling out process for other jobs and calling it age-related.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I can see your point but as the head coach Wade needs to be the one to reel in Red and the team. If he cannot do that then what good is he?

He would be a head coach who's really just a DC. It sounds like Reeves would have been the "consultant" who's really the HC. To go along with a GM who's really just an owner, and an offensive coordinator who's really just a QB coach.

Great organizational structure we got here.

 

[jterrell]

I can see your point but as the head coach Wade needs to be the one to reel in Red and the team. If he cannot do that then what good is he?

Now I like Wade, but it has been proven that players say they want to be treated like men but they didn't reward Wade when he did so.

It is time for him to sack up. He doesn't have to yell, scream, and cuss. He just need to hold their feet to the fire. When they screw up, say so. No more putting lipstick and a dress on a pig while it is snorting and rolling around in the mud.

The only thing, Wade 2.0 could backfire big time but I am optimistic that the players have enough personal pride that they won't tank the season.

No argument from me there I guess I am just suggesting Reeves would have essentially been Wade's hire after Jerry forced Garrett upon him. so a step in the right direction.

Its one way of connecting with players in that fruit of a poisonous tree argument. Garrett is Jerry's guy, all his good goes to Jerry, all his bad goes to Wade. With Reeves he was going to "pimp" Wade as much as possible and he really likes the guy.

For Wade to hit 2.0 getting his own staff makes sense.

I think we universally applaud the ST coach hire and that is a Wade guy (even if only because of Reeves ties to him). Reeves woulda kinda been in that same vein. Clearly a Wade guy who also helps perception and balances power in favor of Wade after red jesus being the alpha male last year when he was turning down head coaching gigs.

 

[jterrell]

He would be a head coach who's really just a DC. It sounds like Reeves would have been the "consultant" who's really the HC. To go along with a GM who's really just an owner, and an offensive coordinator who's really just a QB coach.

Great organizational structure we got here.

sounds like to whom?
Reeves said he was going to report to Wade and help handle the offense while Wade focused on defense?

Does your opinion really mean more than Reeves own words?

 

[silver]

The 'one thing'?

Here is my guess based on the tea leaves.

It appears that Dan Reeves could not agree about a coaching responsibility that was put into the contract. Dan just wanted to be in an executive role.

Of course, there are only two coaching roles which Dan Reeves would fill, and they are both occupied: HC and OC.

So, my guess is that the "coaching responsibility" was an agreement to assume a coaching role if the current occupant is fired. Jerry wanted Dan to agree to do it; Dan did not.

The next question is which role? I'm not sure being interim OC would be something that Dan would have that big of a problem with if JG left.

But I think Dan has a degree of loyalty and closeness to Wade.

Therefore, my guess as to the "one thing" Jerry wanted in the contract that Dan would not agree to is that Dan would agree to take the head coaching job if Wade is fired. Dan would not agree to that because he does not want to a HC job and because he does not want Wade to think he came in and made it easier for Jerry to fire Wade.

That's my guess.

i agree. Jerry wanted Dan to be this years Sparano. The responsibilies and expectations exceeded the title and compensation if you will. In other words he was to be Garrett's assistant as opposed to Wade's assistant.

 

[Idgit]

That doesn't make sense at all. This was Wade's plan, not Jerry's. This was a guy Wade was bringing in, not Jerry. Why do people continue to think this was Jerry bringing in someone to oversee Wade?

Who ever said Reeves was overseeing Wade? Jerry and Wade apparently agree that the current management of the team and coaching staff needs support. Their best option didn't work out, so they'll go to their second option. At some point, Jerry could easily get to the point where options for bolstering the current staff aren't as good as the options for replacing them. The way this team operates, I don't see how you could see that as far-fetched. We make big, aggressive moves all the time.

There aren't a lot of people capable of filling the sort of role Reeves was brought in to fill. I also can't remember an offseason where so many good coaches were out of work with all of the other jobs filled. We could have Shanahan, Holmgren, or Gruden with a phone call if we wanted them right now. At some point, that's going to look pretty good if a clear way of improving the situation with the current staff doesn't present itself.

 

[adbutcher]

No argument from me there I guess I am just suggesting Reeves would have essentially been Wade's hire after Jerry forced Garrett upon him. so a step in the right direction.

Its one way of connecting with players in that fruit of a poisonous tree argument. Garrett is Jerry's guy, all his good goes to Jerry, all his bad goes to Wade. With Reeves he was going to "pimp" Wade as much as possible and he really likes the guy.

For Wade to hit 2.0 getting his own staff makes sense.

I think we universally applaud the ST coach hire and that is a Wade guy (even if only because of Reeves ties to him). Reeves woulda kinda been in that same vein. Clearly a Wade guy who also helps perception and balances power in favor of Wade after red jesus being the alpha male last year when he was turning down head coaching gigs.

I think you are on to something JT. You remember when Wade wanted to increase the fines levied against the players and Jerruh refused?

I think Jerruh took the same approach to Wade's handling Red. I agree that Reeves was going to be the buffer between Wade and Red.

If that is the case and if it was my show, me and Red would have a long talk with him doing most of the listening. If I am going to go down with the ship then I would go down doing it my way. I hope Wade take that approach this season. If he does I could see us rebounding and getting back to our winning ways.