The Jason Garrett mantra about process is a bit of a running joke around here, but sometimes there is truth in humor. The Dallas Cowboys are engaged in the process of correcting the problems from last year, and I saw some things today that I found interesting in that light.
One of the big topics of discussions around here has been the need to hire an Offensive Coordinator to help Jason Garrett out. Well, turns out that happened already with the announcement that Bill Callahan is now the Dallas OC as well as the O Line Coach. The play calling is still up in the air.
Callahan was named the offensive coordinator but it's not known if he'll call plays, something Jason Garrett has done since joining the Cowboys.
This is still a positive move, I would think. Callahan has head coaching experience at both the NFL and college level, and made it to the Superbowl with the Oakland Raiders. He certainly has a lot to bring to the table in developing the offensive strategy and game planning. Assuming that Jason Garrett is on board with this and it's not being forced on him by Jerry Jones, it would seem to show that the focus is on doing whatever it takes to fix the problems. It is likely that the OC position was part of the negotiations to bring Callahan to Dallas and was part of the overall plan all along. I don't know that for certain, of course, but it seems to fit the way things have been run ever since JG5000 took over the reins. At the very least, that's one thing we no longer have to gripe about in the comments threads.
More after the jump
The other coaching hire, Secondary Coach Jerome Henderson, is getting talked about by the management a lot.
"I think he is going to be a really nice coach for us," Jones said Thursday during a radio interview on The Ticket (1310-AM). "Fans, anybody could see that we have struggled, in particular on the back end of our defense. We have to improve ourselves. That makes it two years running now we have struggled. We have to get better back there."
That is not news to anyone, I think. But I was struck by one thing. The Jones referred to is not Jerry, but Stephen. (You may have suspected that because the statements were clear, concise and easy to understand.) I got to noticing that Stephen has been popping up in the media a lot lately. In addition to his comments on Henderson, he also addressed the draft, free agency and the salary cap in the same interview.
"We've got all the running room to improve our football team, whether that means going after a high-powered free agent if that's what we want to do. We can draft, we can move up in the draft, we can do all the things we want to do. And that's what's important at the end of the day."
That is a big and very encouraging statement. With all the holes on the team, it is encouraging to see that the team is prepared to go after personnel to fix things, and that the ownership thinks that they have the money issues well in hand. The announcement today that Jon Kitna will retire will undoubtedly help a little with that, too.
Cowboys backup quarterback Jon Kitna has informed the team he will retire, a move that was expected after he went on injured reserve Dec. 14 with a back injury. Kitna did not return phone call or email messages.
His experience and leadership will be missed, but I think everyone can see the wisdom of his decision.
But beyond just the financial maneuvering, it is also encouraging to see Stephen out front on these topics. Above and beyond the fact that you don't have to reread his quotes several times to figure out what he is actually saying, it at least hints at him taking a more active role in the decision making, something most of us here would see as a positive step. He has also been speaking out on other topics a lot lately, including developing a "killer instinct" with the team and on Dez Bryant's ongoing legal hassles.
I do not buy into the Jerry Jones as dictator and manager by whim meme. In the relatively brief time I have been deeply immersed in trying to figure out all things Dallas Cowboys, I have come to believe that JJ talks too much, but does not rule with an iron hand. I think the promotion of Jason Garrett was a major step in JJ admitting tacitly that the team needed some other leadership influences, and I think the suspected growing role of Stephen is evidenced by these recent statements. Clearly, he is speaking for the team here, and I hope he continues to do so, both because it shows his growing influence, and because he does not require translation. I even have some unfounded speculation that he had something to do with getting Callahan named Offensive Coordinator, just because it would fit my hopes for what is happening with the team.
3 recs | 110 comments
OC title maybe to prevent other teams from hiring him
unless it is for head coach. If he was just an assistant or position coach, he could be hired by another team as a coordinator. But with the coordinator the only step up is head coach. At least that’s how I understand it.
Not to dis Jerry, but the more Stephen the better imo. His growing influence—and public statements—is good news long term for the team.
scottmaui - January 12, 2012
Callahan ran some great offenses in Oakland, albeit that was in the earlys ‘00s. I recall Vela saying on CN that he once called a game plan against the Steelers that essentially just killed them with the short to intermediate passing game, very disproportionate to the amounts of runs being called. Per Raf it seemed to really bust open LeBeau’s fire zone blitzing, which then immediately brought to mind the Packers in the Super Bowl last year and how progressive everyone thought that game plan was. It’s definitely a great sign and a tribute to being a flexible and progressive offensive mind.
Anyways, even if he’s not calling the plays he’s going to be another strong qualified voice in the stable and I’m all for it. I’m excited about all the new pickups on offense and the decided Jason Garrett flair they entail but the defensive side troubles me some. I understand that Rob is getting all his “peeps” to help him run his defense, but if this side of the ball ever does crescendo it’s easy to envision it being gutted if and when Rob becomes a HC in the NFL. I guess that’s something to worry about at a later date, but I can’t imagine Rob not taking “his” staff with him when that time does come.
G_SWAG - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I think
we may actually be seeing a change at Valley Ranch. Over the next couple years I look for Steven Jones to slowly take over more and more of the decision making at the top and Garrett to become more of a GM. In all honesty my gut tells me this decision was made on the flight back from Green Bay. JJ has been embarrassed quite a few times but that game humiliated him. It will be a slow process but it is under way. Lets just hope Jerry stays committed
sexililkitti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
u mean on the flight back from ny.
Cory Wells - January 13, 2012
no
GB last season when he made the switch from Wade to JG. Thats when the whole process began. Jerry knew he lost his team that day when the quit on the field. He started backing away then and has been slowly stepping back ever since. He wont move nearly as fast as anyone else would but he will give up the hands on control to Steven
sexililkitti - January 13, 2012
i don't think u know jerry jones like the rest of us do.
Cory Wells - January 13, 2012
probably better
i have done a bit of outside consulting work over the last couple years with Mrs. Jones related to her interests not the team but thats not the point.
sexililkitti - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Gosh, someone who actually has first hand knowledge of the Jones family.
And doesn’t think they are idiots and egomaniacs. Oh, well, I’m sure many here will not let a few little things like facts get in the way of their preconceptions.
Tom Ryle - January 13, 2012
Hey now, I am sure Kitti was just being nice. ;)
Rena - January 13, 2012
and yet Jerry still marched down to field during the Philly Game a few weeks ago to inform Garrett that the Eagles were eliminated and the Cowboys should rest their starters.
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
you have no clue what he said to Garrett and don't pretend like you do
Terry - January 13, 2012
Actually, I do have a clue what he said to Garrett
Jerry told us what he said when he went down on the field
Here is the DIRECT QUOTE from Jerry Jones: “I was bringing him up to date on information I personally had from where our situation was, not only relative to where the Jets were but also with what I knew to be the case from being down there in the dressing room when Tony was being X-rayed,” Jones said.
NOW GO GET YOUR FU&%ING SHINEBOX!!!!!!!
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
GET YOUR %$CKING SHINEBOX, TERRY!
So why would Jones go to the field to give Garrett updates on Romo, whose X-rays were negative, and the Giants-Jets result?
“That’s probably a question you need to ask him,” Garrett said.
Here was Jones’ answer:
“Basically told him about Tony and what we were doing with him. Fact that Tony really wanted to get back in and he could grip the ball. That probably wasn’t the thing to do for him, to be back out there. Plus, we all knew that the Jets had lost, so we knew what was at stake in this game. That had a bearing to some degree on how we played some of the guys.”
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
NO REALLY
GO GET YOUR SHINEBOX!
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
Still think I am pretending to know?
On Jerry Jones going to the sidelines during the Eagles game:
George: It obviously didn’t look good for Jason Garrett. Jerry said earlier that he wanted to update them on the Jets/Giants game, he said this afternoon that he was part of the decision making. He said that Jason can make that decision [of whether or not to keep the Cowboys’ starters in], and he does make that decision, but he didn’t want him to make it by himself. It doesn’t look good for your head coach not to be able to make that decision by himself.
Gosselin: I don’t buy any of it. I think it’s insulting to Jason Garrett that [Jerry Jones] has to go down there. First off, to update him on the progress on the Giants game when he has coaches already in the press box? [Garrett]’s a guy who’s a Princeton grad. There’s 90,000 people in the building — he’s probably the smartest guy in the building — and you’ve got to tell him that the Giants lost and he should stop trying. That’s insulting to Jason Garrett. And also, why do it on the sideline? Why do it as a photo op? If you’ve got something to say to your head coach, go to the coaching box, get on the headset and tell him there. Why show the man up on the sidelines during the course of the football game? That was not a place for Jerry Jones.
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
You are talking to yourself
thebigham - January 13, 2012
that is nothing new for me
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
haha
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Forget to take your meds?
Rena - January 13, 2012
The Cowboys weren't going to beat the Eagles once Romo injured his hand. This I can guarantee.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Good to see Jerry's son does not speak in tongues.
There were many times I would pull up a translation program and copy/paste one of his statements into it. It always froze up the program.
I’d like to thank Mr Kitna for his service and wish him godspeed in his future endeavors.
Benthere - January 12, 2012
Too Funy
Froze the program lol. And yes Kitna has been nothing but professional…all the best to him.
Bermystar - January 13, 2012
the gears are still turning in my head about the OC thing and who really made that decision
…not sayin it’s a bad idea…makes me wonder a few things…thats all
0k - January 12, 2012
my take
I’m thinking Callahan is going to be the OC in name only, Jason is still going to call the plays.
and thank you Kitna, your wisdom will be missed.
Antonio S - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Not necessarily "in name only".
Marty Mornhinweg up in Philthy is heavily involved in putting together the game plan, Reid just keeps the actual play calling duties. Likewise Sean Payton’s had several OCs while he calls plays.
TheBlueBaron - January 12, 2012
This is what I am thinking is going to happen.
But even if it does, it will allow JG to focus more on managing.
Rena - January 13, 2012
mad props to jon kitna, enjoy your retirement
you helped make the 2010 season a little more bearable.
johnnypocket - January 12, 2012
yes he did for CB fans
He played a hell of game against the GMen and showed some guts.
Just J - January 12, 2012
Especially...
That awesome 30-yard TD run against Detroit…something that hadn’t been done since Staubach c. ’71.
He pulled in, what, 4 or 5 of the 6 wins last year, and a couple of near-misses against New Orleans (f’in Roy Williams) and Philly? I’m kinda curious what could’ve happened had we picked him sometime in the early-2000s, post-Aikman and pre-Romo.
bfg1118 - January 12, 2012
Looked it up
Kitna Started his career in Seattle 15 years ago in 97 as a UDFA if I am not mistaken. Which Interestingly enough would be the last year Aikman Played a full season.
So Had Dallas Picked Kitna Up as a UDFA in 97, he would have been able to take over as the Full time starter in 2000, Dallas would then had picked up another UDFA, some kid named Tony Romo, who could have taken over in 2006. Kitna could have stayed on as the Backup after that…. Interesting…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
But there is a reason Kitna was on 3 or 4 different teams before the Cowboys.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Kitna was a guy you wanted to have if you're trying to rebuild and stay co
In Seattle: he became the guy who helped bridge the gap between Rick Mirer to Matt Hasselbeck, actually led em to the playoffs in 1999, and kept them around between 7 and 9 wins a season for another few seasons.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
competitive*
In Cincy: he kept them competitive while Carson Palmer sat his rookie season.
In Detroit: he was brought in to replace the garbage production that Joey Harrington, Jeff Garcia, and that Rutgers QB put up. Actually led them to competitive records in 2006 and 2007 (pre 0-16).
In Dallas: Idiot fans got excited because Romo got hurt and Kitna helped the Boys go 4-5 in his absence.
Fans (defined as Romo haters) ignored the fact that the 3 worst losses of the season came under his watch (the blowouts Vs Jacksonville & @ GB), and that he was in a gift giving mood by giving away the Christmas Day game to Arizona with his 2 pick 6s.
Then in 2011, the Romo haters cheered Romo’s rib injury in SF (in the BTB comments of the game thread) and watched as Kitna came in and proceeded to gift the 49ers two interceptions which nearly resulted in a blowout loss had Tony not come back into the game (whatever, some Romo hater said, did you his TD to Austin!)
I’ll miss Kitna, he was definitely a better backup QB than Brad Johnson. I’ll also miss the idiot fans calling for Kitna in games when Romo and the offense get off to a slow start, or the fans calling for Kitna to close games out for Romo, like some did following the Lions ans Jets games (gameday commenters who you never hear from mon thru sat never cease to amaze me).
Stephen McGee has some big shoes to fill as backup unless The Boys go in a different direction-I hope the draft someone, and sign a veteran camp arm to compete with McGee for back up and 3rd string. I’ve seen enough of McGee to know that he’ll only impress in the final pre-season game when players are fighting to make the bottom of the roster, practice squad, or audition their talents for the rest of the league. In his three regular season appearances, he’s shown the deer in headlights look, that he doesn’t have an NFL arm, and that he can’t process information quickly at the line of scrimmage.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Hasselback wasn't drafted by Seattle though
not sure if he was a UDFA or a regular FA, but Seattle didn’t “draft” him. Seattle did draft Huard in the 1999 draft with the 16th pick in the 3rd round
Kitna left Seattle as a FA (I think) as I couldn’t find a record of any trade. Then was supplanted by Carson Palmer who was drafted #1 in 2003 by the Bengals.
He was then Supplanted by Stafford with the Lions after getting hurt in 2008.
Draft Histories for
Seattle
Bengals
Lions
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
not sure why it double posted
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
I never said Seattle drafted Matt Hasselbeck
But Kitna bridged the years immediately following Holmgren tacking over until Hasselbeck finally developed into their franchise QB. When Holmgren left GB, I believe he either took Matt with him, or he traded for him a few seasons later.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
you are correct as usual Roh
Hasselback was draft by the Packers in ’98(6th round)
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
Fun little fact
Mark Brunell, Kurt Warner, Matt Hasselbeck, and even Aaron Brooks all spent time in Green Bay as competition for Brett Favre’s clipboard holder before becoming starting QBs at their next destination and winning playoff games.
The Packers have probably been the best at having an eye for QB talent since the Holmgren era to the present.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Another example is Matt Flynn
Flynn is gonna be a player
Antonio S - January 13, 2012
Agreed
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
there is a reason behind everything.
he was serviceable but they drafted Hasselbeck, so went to Cincy.
there they drafted Palmer, but if you recall, in the first preseason game ha came very close to defeat eventual champions Pittsburgh (Palmer went down on like his third pass after von Oelhoffen crashed his knee).
Palmer came back, Kitna became FA so he went to Detroit where he lead a not too bad aerial attack behind an OL that really did suck. hey, he gave our beloved Roy Williams a 1000-yard season, didn’t he? plus i know he stuck it to us a few years ago, when we needed badly a win against the Lions, only Kitna was too much for us.
i’m sure with him 0-16 never would have happened, but he went down with his back and fell out of favor. after that, the Lions drafted Stafford, so he came to the Cowboys.
i think after Seattle he was stuck on level 1.5: he was too old to be a franchise quarterback, but he was too good to be backup.
man, i will miss The Quarterback Who Did Not Have a Neck
slowmotion80 - January 13, 2012
You mean the Bengals first post-season game
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Even if being named OC in name only
the fact that JG will have someone else to bounce ideas off of and confer with on the sideline – as well as tapping the head coaching experience will hopefully all be large gains for our team.
Nick Castillo - January 12, 2012
Def
another set of eyes can only help.
Antonio S - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Thanks for being an awesome QB for the team KITNA !!
Your play time and knowledge was great for the team. Happy retirement Jon!!!
krimsonrane - January 12, 2012
+1
Enjoy retirement, you deserve it
BigBad Joe - January 13, 2012
Goodbye Mr. Kitna
All warriors in time must give up the sword for the plow, your time has come – and we will remember all that you’ve contributed.
Nick Castillo - January 12, 2012
Backup QB could be one of the most important hires this off-season
The Brad Johnson games still haunt my nightmares.
Making a good or bad signing here can mean the difference in 2-3 games a season in the seasons that Romo misses time to injury.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
Well if we get DeCastro Romo shouldn't get injured!
I like McGee
thebigham - January 13, 2012
can't wait
For free agency and the draft. Hopefully what he says is true. Would love to see us sign a center a CB and saftey in FA and hopefully we can maybe move up in the draft ans pick the cb out of lsu. Couldent get peterson but this guy looks amazing. Looks like were finally moving in the right direction. Look out the cowboys are on their way back. Just a feeling hope I’m right
cjs.93 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
oh good god
2001 OR NY/A 6.4 7th
2002 OR NY/A 6.8 3rd
2003 OR NY/A 4.9 30th
He presided over the demise of the Raiders
he sucked as a coach
and used the same audibles as Gruden in the Super Bowl
firejasongarrett - January 12, 2012
What I'm reading is that the OC title is just a title
A strategy to keep other teams from being able to hire him away from us. Just like the title “assistant head coach” doesn’t mean the head coach has less authority.
Garrett has very strong ideas about how his offense should be run and I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
I don't think that applies anymore
A team can request to interview anybody for any position. The only time they don’t need permission is for a HC position. So it doesn’t matter if he’s OL Coach, OC, or Asst. Head Coach. If a team is interested in him as a HC they can interview him.
staubachfan - January 12, 2012
Hire him away from us.
Why would we be worried about that.
Matter of fact. Why did we hire him in the first place.
This has JJ written all over it and JG just accepting it.
Sharksbreath - January 13, 2012
And that comes from...?
danielt - January 13, 2012
you're clueless as usual
Terry - January 13, 2012
Raf has several points about why the OC title, this is 1 of them.
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/silly-titles-matter-matter-of-offensive.html
Rena - January 13, 2012
Not to defend him
But he watched the resurrected Rich Gannon reach his final legs. Gannon’s career took off in his mid-thirties and was one of the best quarterbacks no one knew about to from 1998 to 2002. But by 2003, he was 38 and in his next-to-last season. It’s hard to replace a Pro Bowl caliber QB—and all the Raiders had in the pipeline is Rick Mirer.
And any help Jason Garrett can get with calling plays is welcome. He’s spinning the wheels of this offense, and the hiring of a full-time OC proves those of us who claimed he was in over his head were correct.
kindablue - January 12, 2012
Those Raiders teams under Gruden and Callahan
Relied heavily on veteran free agents like Rich Gannon, Rod Woodson, Bill Romonowski, Charlie Garner, Jerry Rice, Tyrone Wheatley etc. Once those guys left b/c of injury or retirement they didn’t much talent on the depth chart to replace them. Their backup QB was Marquis Tuiassassopo for crying outloud.
Charles Woodson, Jon Ritchie, Sebastian Janikowski, Jerry Porter, Shane Lechler, were their best draft picks from 98-2002.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
I figure it's just semantics, It's clearly Jason Garretts offense
But he needs some one to do all the leg work and preparation during the week. I don’t think the burden was really in making the play calls, lots of coaches do that, It’s in preparing during the week. Should be a big weight off Garretts shoulders. And Callahan shouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon…. Much like Wade, he suuuuckkks as a head coach.
As far as the Jerry thing. I completely agree, tom. Jerry’s always taken input fromt he head coach. As Jason Garrett and Bill Parcells have said, Jerry is a good listener.
IMHO, the Campo era, the Switzer era and the Phillips era weren’t failures because of Jerry, they were awful because those are bad head coaches. Campo and Switzer have never gotten another shot, and never will. Phillips has prove three times what kind of head coach he is.. too soft, and not very good. Excellent top notch coordinator, bad bad head coach.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
JG gave him input on the 2008 draft.
Which is why this team is a disaster. That draft was basically all offense. The first draft JJ presided over without Parcel’s.
The draft that led to the 2009 debacle.
Sharksbreath - January 13, 2012
Didn't have Parcell's for the 2007 draft either
TARHEEL PAUL - January 13, 2012
Parcells mailing in the 2004 and 2006 drafts
Which brought the likes of Julius Jones, Patrick Crayton, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Fasano, and Jay Ratliff…plus the 2009 draft are the reasons why this team has fallen back to mediocre levels of production.
Parcells needs to get credit for failing in 2004 and 2006 and not just have his praises sang loudly for 2003 and 2005.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Couldn't agree more.
I hate how everyone loves Parcells. The dude did NOT want to draft Ware. Jerry forced him into it and we ended up getting Tuna’s pick with our other 1 anyway. Does no one remember the train of disaster washed up qb after washed up qb? Also, credit for Romo goes totally to Sean Peyton. Parcells taught discipline, but IMO he actually hurt our team as much as he helped. We had good coaches around him that I think deserve the credit for any good during his tenure. Look at Miami, Sporano got fired because he lost, but he lost with a bunch if garbage. Every ducky player Parcells knew he’d sign even if they blew. Draft after draft they failed to get a qb or anyone good at all honestly. I fault the president of football ops; Tuna.
stegosaurus! - January 13, 2012 via mobile
You must not remember the teams before Tuna.
5-11
5-11
5-11
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
what have Tuna and Ireland done in Miami?
-Except for get by with a gimmic offense for 2 yrs while the league just mocked em as it was rendered obsolete after 2009.
-Draft Pat White to run the wild cat: 1 yr later he’s gone.
-Refuse to draft Dez Bryant because his mom may have turned tricks for cash.
-Signed every crappy Dallas Cowboys player that that they had a hand in brining to Dallas.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
I'm surprised
Julius Jones, MBIII, Patrick Crayton, didn’t find their way on the Dolphins.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
well
Julius when to Seattle before THe “coaching Exodus” Happened asn is still there
MB3 Probably got a better Offer from Chicago
and Crayton was traded to the Chargers(where is still is…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 14, 2012
The Tuna built depth
and improved the overall quality of this football team. He also brought about a new scouting strategy that I think this team is still benefitting from.
Pharm.D. - January 13, 2012
yep, Callihan is OC in name only
Garrett will still prepare the offensive gameplan and call all the plays each game, that won’t change.
Terry - January 13, 2012
You have no idea what the division of responsibilities will be so stop pretending that you do
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
Thanks for the update Tom
I don’t know much about either coaches but from what I have been reading on here, they look like good hires. The thing that makes me excited and optimistic is how fast everything is happening. It shows me that Garrett and the Joneses know what’s wrong with this team and they are doing their best to fix it. An OC, whether he calls plays or not, will only help Garrett as he is now able to focus a little more on head coaching responsibilities.
And Mr. Kitna thank you for everything you have brought to this team XD
Dezisabeast88 - January 12, 2012
Good luck Jon
We are loseing a great leader and your gutty play was Godsend. Thanks for the memories u gave us for our beloved team. Take care of that back and enjoy the bowtie pasta. Just don’t get too fat cause you’re gonna want to be able to play football with your grand kids someday.
letsgtld - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Stephen Jones...GM
Yep, I said it. Some weeks ago, I said the KEY to the offseason, draft and whatever we do in Free Agency, Stephen was going to be the key. Jerry WILL listen to his son and in fact Stephen may be the only real influence on his father’s decision making. It was SJ that finally convinced Jerry to get rid of T.O. and thank God he listened.
Stephen is also the one that is usually negotiating with the agents to get the contracts done. Jerry is becoming more the figure head for the Cowboys and Stephen is becoming the REAL GM, behind the scenes, actually getting in there and making personnel decisions.
Yeah, I know JJ still has the reins but son Stephen has learned how to handle those reins too and, while maybe not fully controlling them yet, his influence is there and telling his father which way to go.
Cowboy88 - January 13, 2012
Stephen and JG were out voting JJ last year in the war room at the draft.
I am thinking they will gang up on him to shoot down some of his wilder ideas a lot.
Rena - January 13, 2012
Its funny, we were 8-8, and the mediais condemning us
But im so excited to be a cowboys fan!!!!!
It seems like were going to have agreat offseason
Barring some significant injuries next year, were are playoff bound..We have to be
And Jon Kitna, I know your not reading this, but Props sir on a great career!!! Thankyou for your service last year
ItalianStallion54 - January 13, 2012
Great news
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012
This is the mentality
I want to see from the organization, they are showing that they are not content with being mediocre or average. Coaching changes at every level, beginning with the “out of character” midseason firing of Wade (not bashing), and the overhaul since. We have Robinson who coached the best WR core in the league to a Superbowl, Woicik who’s resume is outstanding as an S & C coach, Rob who has some interesting ideas and schemes but was probably over-hyped due to his lineage, I for one think given the right players for his scheme he can run a lights out D, Now to change the O-line coach (finally) and OC (even if only by title) and stephen clearly taking more and more of a prominent role…change is in the air. Now Let’s play with the roster a bit, like Stephen said “We’ve got all the running room to improve our football team…” seems we also have the desire to.
Bermystar - January 13, 2012
How you figure. Callahan is mediocre.
Some would say he’s not even that.
Sharksbreath - January 13, 2012
who are these idiots you speak of?
Terry - January 13, 2012
Mediocre head coach maybe
But he is a very competent Coordinator. During his tenure with the Raiders their offense led the league in rushing in 2000 and led the league in passing in 2002. They also led in total offense one year. He is no dummy. He falls into the same category as Wade Phillips… good coordinator, mediocre Head Coach.
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
We all have our own Opinions
Here is what Damien Woody, a former player of his, had to say.
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689512/damien-woody-lauds-bill-callahan
Bermystar - January 13, 2012
The current linemen on the Jets say much the same.
He is a definite plus as a line coach, and I think he can take a lot of the load off JG during the week, if not actually in the game itself.
Tom Ryle - January 13, 2012
Callahan is a top O line coach
and seems good as an OC.
He just was not that great as a HC.
burmafrd1944 - January 13, 2012
Another thought on how this helps us
Isn’t Callahan knowledgeable on the West Coast Offense? I think Gruden and him run that type of offense. I think that while we won’t install it in Dallas any time soon, it could help the team prepare for the likes of Philly, which runs a variation of it.
Do you agree?
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
I do agree
GB also runs a form of the WC too, where Gruden spent time as well.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
That's what killed him at Nebraska
They had a long and storied history of playing smash-mouth football. He tried to turn them into a WC passing offense and failed miserably.
Nebraska is only now recovering from that debacle.
Yes, the man knows WC. I agree with everyone who has posted/opined that Callahan, like Phillips, is much more effective teaching his specialty rather than overseeing an entire team/program.
This should be a good move for the Cowboys.
hookerhome - January 14, 2012
Coaching change doesn't mean improvment, the players still play.
Dallas needs better talent in the secondary or nothing will get better.
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
Understood, but usually good coaches are also better talent evaluators
Look at the draft record during the Campo era if you don’t agree. I think that the signing of good and proven coaches can help sway some discussions in the draft room or during free agency as well. The fact that Callahan was also a College HC not too long ago will help in this regard as well.
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
Dallas needs 3 new starters in the secondary, good luck at finding 3 quality players in the off season.
We haven’t found 1 good safety in the last 5 years and now a new coach will fix it. He might , but I kinda effing doubt it.
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
Need to start somewhere...
So what would be your solution, Mr. Sushine?
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
Quit trying to plug in JAGs at safety.
Drafting guys in the 6th and 7th rounds to plug in aint working, niether is signing other teams cast offs.
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
Still, why is getting better coaches who have had success not a good move?
And I do think coaching can improve a player’s performance. How many times have people complained about the DBs not looking back for the ball? That seems like something that coaching can help with right off the bat.
Then add some better talent evaluation for the draft and FA, and things should be moving in the right direction.
Tom Ryle - January 13, 2012
I didn't say it was a bad move.
What I’m saying if Dallas doesn’t upgrade the talent at DB it won’t matter. Half assing the safety spot is killing us.
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
Chicken and the egg...
We are about to find out if the issue is the safeties or the coaching. Although I’m sure we will address the safety position, we will take away any excuses the players will have for not performing.
The way I see it, it is easier to make evaluations this way. We found out that Bradie James has little left in the tank this way. If we had pulled the plug on him back in 2010, then there would be questions surrounding the decision (was it him losing a step, or losing his faith in his coach?) Now we now for sure it is the former.
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
And it cost us a full 2 seasons watching him and Brooking gasp for air
As they try not to get humiliated when teams pass the ball.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Confirmed that Garrett is still the playcaller
Didn’t see this anywhere on here, probably missed it though.
http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/cowboys/2012/01/jason-garrett-will-continue-to-call-the-plays-despite-bill-callahans-title.html
robolundgren - January 13, 2012
That's so 24 hours ago.
DIRE WOLF - January 13, 2012
Still super excited about having an OC
He will take some of the load off of Jason in regards to the game plan and the offense in general. It will still be Garrett’s offense, but he will have more time to focus on the big picture and being the head coach. So excited about next year! Bring on free agency and the draft!
Static - January 13, 2012
I think (I think) that Callahan is a good move.
Still trying to convince myself. Only time will tell. But I can see Callahan taking over the development of the game plan during the week. Sure, JG might be calling the plays, but they will be plays that Callahan has largely installed over the week. This is something that Callahan excels at. Maybe that will take some pressure off of JG so he can ginger-snap whoever needs it.
Pharm.D. - January 13, 2012
yeah this team lacks killer instinct
bye Kitna you were a true professional, good luck
Callahanis a good sign, no doubt
ratware - January 13, 2012
What is your icon from?
Looks kinda like the cover of the King Crimson album I had many moons ago.
Tom Ryle - January 13, 2012
Icons!
It is the man from the King Crimson album (In the Court of the Crimson King). Incredible piece of music… better than 95% of the crap being produced today.
soundchazer - January 13, 2012
yeah mostly crap today
but i have to say this isn’t my favourite crimson’s album, it is in the wake of poseidon, great cover as well
ratware - January 13, 2012
yes it looks like because it is
ratware - January 13, 2012
Best quote thus far
"Money doesn’t drive me to play this game," Robinson said. "I play because I like to have fun. I think I have a good fit here with the Cowboys."
"This is where I want to be," Robinson said during a Friday appearance on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM’s Ben and Skin Show. "It doesn’t matter if I’m the No. 1, 2 or 3. I feel like I have a good fit here."
i dont rent Im a romowner - January 13, 2012 via mobile
love his attitude
sure wish we could get him back for cheap somehow. There isn’t actually that much money locked up at wr considering Dez is on his rookie contract + Miles was already paid his enormous 17 mil 1st year money. I just checked Miles’ contract on rotoworld (don’t know how accurate) and its actually VERY cap friendly – from 2011 to 2015 hes making 28.7 million, and he probably won’t see the 2016 money.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4059/miles-austin
On the other hand, if Dez breaks out we’d probably be looking at reupping him next year or after the 2013 season, so wr could get expensive in a hurry if we give Laurent a big deal
foyesboys - January 13, 2012
you have to "add'
1.7 million to the yearly figures, because Austin restructured his contract last Offseason. Thus his 8.54 million salary became a 8.54 million “signing bonus”……
I am Ironman!!! - January 14, 2012
Callahan being mentioned as the OC
three days after his hire as the new O-Line coach tells me the OC was an afterthought. As one reader already mentioned it was probably to protect his position with the organization. Whatever the reason, if it was intended from the start then it would have been announced at the time of the hire, instead of " Oh, by the way, Callahan will fulfill OC duties as well so you can quit begging Jer to find help for JG". It’s very transparent. Now the question is who decided on making this call (JG is NOT my choice) and what will Callahan’s OC duties entail. My guess is minimal. If Jerry expects this 8-8 team to jump to 12-4 or even 10-6 and a division title in 2012 with, for all intents and purposes, just personnel changes (these staff changes are not signifigant on their own) he is orbitting Neptune about now. As of today this is still an 8-8 team for next season.
stubabe - January 13, 2012
Callahan refused contracts from the Jets that didn't include OC type title and responsibilities.
There is a good chance he did the same with us.
Rena - January 14, 2012
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