ESPNDallas: JJ: Strong December Will Help Wade

[viman96]

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com
Archive

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said if coach Wade Phillips can get his team through this difficult December stretch with a solid playoff seeding, it will enhance the likelihood of his return in 2010.

Phillips is in the final year of a three-year contract but the team has an option for next year.

"I don't know that it's anymore so for Wade than it is for anybody else on this team," Jones said regarding pressure on his coach prior to Cowboys practice Wednesday. "... But what we do here and how we get into these playoffs ... have a game [at home], get a bye. All of those are things that look good for Wade."

The Cowboys (8-3) hold a one-game lead in the NFC East over Philadelphia heading into Sunday's game at the New York Giants.

Should the Cowboys finish strong -- the team hasn't had a winning record in December or January since 1996 -- Phillips' job status would improve. Of course, a playoff win would also help Phillips' cause.

Jones normally doesn't speak about coaches' contracts, but Wednesday was the first time he gave a firm answer as to what Phillips has to do to remain in his position.

In mid-November, on his twice-a-week radio show, Jones said he was pleased with how his coach was doing.

"Since there's been absolutely nothing in my mind but the fact that I have an option for him next year, that's as far as we need to go," Jones said. "... It wouldn't benefit our fans at all for me to discuss Wade Phillips' status for next year."

Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com.

 

[Awakened]

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com
Archive

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said if coach Wade Phillips can get his team through this difficult December stretch with a solid playoff seeding, it will enhance the likelihood of his return in 2010.

Phillips is in the final year of a three-year contract but the team has an option for next year.

"I don't know that it's anymore so for Wade than it is for anybody else on this team," Jones said regarding pressure on his coach prior to Cowboys practice Wednesday. "... But what we do here and how we get into these playoffs ... have a game [at home], get a bye. All of those are things that look good for Wade."

The Cowboys (8-3) hold a one-game lead in the NFC East over Philadelphia heading into Sunday's game at the New York Giants.

Should the Cowboys finish strong -- the team hasn't had a winning record in December or January since 1996 -- Phillips' job status would improve. Of course, a playoff win would also help Phillips' cause.

Jones normally doesn't speak about coaches' contracts, but Wednesday was the first time he gave a firm answer as to what Phillips has to do to remain in his position.

In mid-November, on his twice-a-week radio show, Jones said he was pleased with how his coach was doing.

"Since there's been absolutely nothing in my mind but the fact that I have an option for him next year, that's as far as we need to go," Jones said. "... It wouldn't benefit our fans at all for me to discuss Wade Phillips' status for next year."

Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com.

I haven't been paying a lot of attention, but has this been talked about on other threads? This is pretty big to me, if Jerry is actually talking about Wade's job being on the line. Personally, I'm not convinced that Wade can get us to the next level. I want an elite coach - perhaps Cowher.

 

[CoCo]

I haven't been paying a lot of attention, but has this been talked about on other threads? This is pretty big to me, if Jerry is actually talking about Wade's job being on the line. Personally, I'm not convinced that Wade can get us to the next level. I want an elite coach - perhaps Cowher.

It does seem somewhat out of character for Jerry who tends to deny there is ever any possibility that he might make a change at HC.

See Switzer & Campo.

 

[TheCount]

Do we have an option on Garretts contract as well? He should be under as much pressure as Wade is, honestly.

 

[tyke1doe]

Jerry Jones said, in some many words, get us into the playoffs and get us to the NFC Championship or else ...

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Do we have an option on Garretts contract as well? He should be under as much pressure as Wade is, honestly.

I could be wrong because the morning 105.3 idiots were kind of talking over Jerry at the time, but I'm almost positive they asked Jerry this a couple weeks ago and he said Garrett is under contract for next year.

And Jerry answered the question -- he didn't dance around it or refuse to answer like he could have.

Which makes me think that Garrett is the one who Jerry wants to get the job.

And I agree, something doesn't seem right that Wade gets all this heat and Garrett avoids it. I know he gets beat up here, but I mean having his job status questioned in the media every week.

 

[CoCo]

I could be wrong because the morning 105.3 idiots were kind of talking over Jerry at the time, but I'm almost positive they asked Jerry this a couple weeks ago and he said Garrett is under contract for next year.

And Jerry answered the question -- he didn't dance around it or refuse to answer like he could have.

Which makes me think that Garrett is the one who Jerry wants to get the job.

And I agree, something doesn't seem right that Wade gets all this heat and Garrett avoids it. I know he gets beat up here, but I mean having his job status questioned in the media every week.

When you consider Wade is the HC, and Garrett is just a coordinator I think the relative scrutiny is pretty proportionate. HC always takes the heat.

Now understanding that perhaps Wade doesn't have the same pull over Garrett as a HC normally would, perhaps, changes the discussion in Dallas a bit.

 

[baj1dallas]

It does seem somewhat out of character for Jerry who tends to deny there is ever any possibility that he might make a change at HC.

I don't know that it's out of character, the contract is up so obviously if things go badly there's no real reason to pick up the option. He's not saying anything earthshattering.

 

[craig71]

I think that the reason that Wade is under constant pressure is the perception that he is a bumbling ho-hum idiot.Wade is not an idiot,he has alot of knowledge,but the perception of him being an idiot is alive and well.

I still think that Wade is a good cordinator but lacks the organizational skills to run an entire team.For whatever reason,Wade hasn't been able to turn that knowledge into success at any of his previous stops.Winning records and percentages don't mean much if you can't seal the deal with some post season success.I see Wade like Marty Schotenheimer,real good regular season records with little post season success.

I hope Wade proves me wrong,but I just don't think he's the man for the job in Dallas.

Craig

 

[TheCount]

When you consider Wade is the HC, and Garrett is just a coordinator I think the relative scrutiny is pretty proportionate. HC always takes the heat.

Now understanding that perhaps Wade doesn't have the same pull over Garrett as a HC normally would, perhaps, changes the discussion in Dallas a bit.

Except Garrett isn't just a coordinator, as we all know. When we brought Garrett back he was given the title of Assistant Head Coach as well, which gave him more power to be involved in game planning and he's always had total control of the offense.

I don't see how another December crash would mean Garrett gets the job in Jerry's eyes, if we crash and burn again in december, they should both be fired.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

When you consider Wade is the HC, and Garrett is just a coordinator I think the relative scrutiny is pretty proportionate. HC always takes the heat.

Now understanding that perhaps Wade doesn't have the same pull over Garrett as a HC normally would, perhaps, changes the discussion in Dallas a bit.

True, but look at Sheridan up in New York... He's getting plenty of heat. It's not all on the head coach.

And in this case it's more unusual because normally if the HC were in jeopardy, the coordinators naturally would be also. In the weird situation we have here, everyone knows that isn't necessarily the case.

 

[Doomsday101]

For me I think Dallas will finish strong and Phillips will get an extention on his contract. If worse comes to worse then chances are Phillips will be gone but I have faith in this team it will not come to that.

 

[TNCowboy]

Moron just can't keep his mouth shut.

I long for the day when he's out of the picture.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Except Garrett isn't just a coordinator, as we all know. When we brought Garrett back he was given the title of Assistant Head Coach as well, which gave him more power to be involved in game planning and he's always had total control of the offense.

I don't see how another December crash would mean Garrett gets the job in Jerry's eyes, if we crash and burn again in december, they should both be fired.

Phillips is 63, and Garrett is 43.

Garrett will be a head coach in this league, and will be successful. Why would we want to be the team that he grows and learns from, only to go on to another team and achieve success.

Payton, Sporano, etc. I dont want Garrett to be the next.

Also, there is a distinct difference from head coach, and assistant head coach/coordinator. He may well still call plays as HC, ala Wade, but he's going to have his hands on more things, and therefore will get more input from assistant/positional coaches, which also factor into the equation.

 

[Jimz31]

We have no "true" HC in Dallas....WP has nothing to do with the offense and JG has nothing to do with the defense....why else does WP look so confused on TV when we are on offense and the cameras make it to him?

Who knows....this may be the most cost effective way to go.

 

[Doomsday101]

We have no "true" HC in Dallas....WP has nothing to do with the offense and JG has nothing to do with the defense....why else does WP look so confused on TV when we are on offense and the cameras make it to him?

Who knows....this may be the most cost effective way to go.

Jimmy Johnson had nothing to do with the offense of defense he allowed the coordinators to do their jobs but was the HC. When Dave Shula failed we got rid of him and got Norv. Wade is the HC it is not Garrett job to make the call of going for it or punting and Wade does have input through out the week on what we will be doing on offense.

 

[TheCount]

Phillips is 63, and Garrett is 43.

Garrett will be a head coach in this league, and will be successful. Why would we want to be the team that he grows and learns from, only to go on to another team and achieve success.

Payton, Sporano, etc. I dont want Garrett to be the next.

Also, there is a distinct difference from head coach, and assistant head coach/coordinator. He may well still call plays as HC, ala Wade, but he's going to have his hands on more things, and therefore will get more input from assistant/positional coaches, which also factor into the equation.

What do their ages have to do with anything? Are you suggesting Wade is too old to coach or Garrett is too young to be fired?

Payton never got to show much of anything here, he had the unfortunate fate of serving under Parcells, who wants to control everything.

Garrett has the exact opposite situation, total control without much in the way of experience or guidance.

 

[TNCowboy]

Jimmy Johnson had nothing to do with the offense of defense he allowed the coordinators to do their jobs but was the HC. When Dave Shula failed we got rid of him and got Norv. Wade is the HC it is not Garrett job to make the call of going for it or punting and Wade does have input through out the week on what we will be doing on offense.

To compare the 2 situations is a complete joke and makes you look like the world's biggest homer.

 

[Doomsday101]

To compare the 2 situations is a complete joke and makes you look like the world's biggest homer.

Wade has input in the offense and has said so, but of course that is not the story those who do not know what the hell they are talking about and are not at Valley Ranch have so say. Wade is the HC plain and simple you don't like it too damn bad, but he is the HC it is his call to make and Jimmy Johnson never once called a play offense or defense he delegated that to his coordinators that is a commonly known fact, yes he was the HC he had input into what they were doing and when a choice had to be made during the game it was Johnson call to make as it is for Wade. So save me the co HC BS you don't fricken have a clue

 

[Beast_from_East]

Dam, I have never heard Jerry be this direct before about Wade. Basically what Jerry said in a round about way was "If Wade doesnt win the division and we host a playoff game, he is gone".

At least that was my take.