Leadership in 2009 - In the players hands...

[CoCo]

Anyone else feel like we kind of don't even have a head coach?

Wade Phillips has no DC, he is it. I actually like that. I respect his abilities in THAT role.

An embarrassed Garrett from last year, I trust to rebound. He is fighting for respect and his future and he still has a host of tools at his disposal.

I also trust DeCamillas to complete our "No HC - 3 Coordinator approach." (I am elated that Read is gone).

I expect great things from each of our three coordinators. I have little doubt that each will be up to THAT task in terms of strategy, leadership, discipline & execution.

What's left for the HC to do if the 3 coordinators do their part? Stir the drink, steady the ship, point the way, rally the troups. That, more than ever, is going to be up to the players.

With TO's overpowering presence gone, and quality men like Witten, Ware, James, Newman & Romo who must be professionally embarrassed by last year I think you'll see some guys step forward like never before. They know this is no time for timidity.

 

[Alexander]

Anyone else feel like we kind of don't even have a head coach?

I have felt that way 11 out of the last 15 years.

 

[theogt]

Why is it that when other head coaches run and calls their offense (or defense) it's nothing unusual, but if Wade runs and calls the defense he's somehow not also the head coach?

 

[CoCo]

Why is it that when other head coaches run and calls their offense (or defense) it's nothing unusual, but if Wade runs and calls the defense he's somehow not also the head coach?

Because Wade has a non-presence like no other. As a HC he's as invisible as they come IMO. Felt that way ever since his first HC gig in Denver. Last year's meltdown just reinforced it.

 

[theogt]

Because Wade has a non-presence like no other. As a HC he's as invisible as they come IMO. Felt that way ever since his first HC gig in Denver.

Oh, okay. So for no other reason than you just don't view him as a head coach.

Makes perfect sense.

Well, I don't view this thread as worth any more of my attention, so.........

 

[CoCo]

Oh, okay. So for no other reason than you just don't view him as a head coach.

Makes perfect sense.

Well, I don't view this thread as worth any more of my attention, so.........

With all due respect, who Wade is as a HC is as clear as any other HC the Cowboys have had in their history.

You have beliefs about Landry, Johnson, Switzer, Gailey, Campo & Parcells all from having observed them in action here. In the same manner, two years of Wade here, and in his previous stops show who he is. Its not some great mystery that we have to pretend we have no idea about.

That's not to say it can't work here but in the same way Parcells style works when players submit to it, Wade will have to have players who lead in some areas because of his very soft presence. Just my opinion of course, but every bit as grounded as any counter you may have to offer on the flipside.

 

[Wayfaring Stranger]

Why is it that when other head coaches run and calls their offense (or defense) it's nothing unusual, but if Wade runs and calls the defense he's somehow not also the head coach?

I agree with this.

Wade does seem "laid back" to me, but he also seems very knowledgeable about the game. His style does not outwardly imbue control and authority but the assistants and players seem to have a lot of [genuine] respect for him. Not acknowledging that the team even has a head coach is a little strong of a statement IMO.

PS theogt - I liked your other avatar

 

[CoCo]

I agree with this.

Wade does seem "laid back" to me, but he also seems very knowledgeable about the game. His style does not outwardly imbue control and authority but the assistants and players seem to have a lot of [genuine] respect for him. Not acknowledging that the team even has a head coach is a little strong of a statement IMO.

PS theogt - I liked your other avatar

Fair enough. I'll modify my position. Wade does seem to be quite laid back. The 2009 season in particular seemed to lack a strong presence "style" at HC (like a Parcells or Johnson) that might have stabilized a locker room that needed some stabilization.

Enter the GM, who in the offseason moved several players out in an effort to make it more "Romo Freiendly" in his words but more "leadership friendly" in mine.

The goal, imo, was to get this locker room stabilized to the point that a laid back HC style (Wade) in combination with some high character players (Ware, Witten, Romo, etc.) who were also more laid back in the leadership style (than TO lets say) could more easily lead things in the right direction.

Yes, perhaps no HC at all is an inappropriate description. But in comparison to the style of Parcells & Jimmy in particular, well, that was part of my point.

The other part is that without Wade's hands-on expertise as D-Coordinator he doesn't have a HC job in Dallas IMO. I think the release of Stewart, and the absence of a replacement for him suggests that fairly strongly. Beyond that, ask yourself what kind of grade you would give the HC for our 2009 season? I suggest it would be mediocre at best.

 

[MONT17]

Everything will be based on ticket sales... all bets are off for the 2010 offseason!

 

[Muhast]

As long as it's not in Crayton's hands. He may drop it in the crucial moments.

jk