Rich Schultz - Getty Images
Wild Card weekend invitation, not received.
Well, wasn't that an exhilarating weekend, watching teams fight it out for a chance to move on to the NFL's version of the Elite 8. Knowing that we have a highly rated, 14th overall selection was much more fulfilling than having the chance to watch Dallas fight it out with a Falcons team that managed to score zero offensive points.
Of course, I'm playfully jabbing at those members of the Cowboys kingdom that want to see the team do as badly as possible until they are fielding a Super Bowl contender. The truth that we all know is that Dallas has to make changes in several areas. They appear to be starting that transition.
What was rumored over the weekend appears to now be reality. Longtime assistant and former head honcho, secondary coach Dave Campo will not be returning to the organization in 2012. Jason Garrett tried to replace Campo with Ray Horton going into last season, but Horton took a higher profile gig as the defensive coordinator in Arizona (not to mention a bite out of Dallas' playoff hopes).
The rest of the Cowboys' defensive coaching staff is expected to remain intact, sources said. - ESPN
More...
Tony Romo-led Comeback Up for Award
Remember way back in Week 2, when an 0-1 Cowboys team was trailing by double-digits against the sorry, moribund San Francisco 49ers? Fans saw the 2011 season slipping away when Tony Romo was injured on a crushing first-half hit and was replaced by Jon Kitna. Well, Romo returned from the locker room at halftime, clearly less than 100% (closer to 50%), and led the Cowboys on an epic comeback and overtime victory. That performance is in contention for The GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year, an award that will be handed out the night before the Super Bowl.
Of course, that would end up being the only victory Dallas could amass over a team with a winning record.
You can vote for your favorite Never Say Never moment here.
Kevin Ogletree's Brother Shot in NYC | NBC DFW
Somber news, Calvin is in critical condition.
Two Former Cowboys Up For Hall Of Fame | Yahoo! Sports
Earlier this year, Jerry Jones inducted three former Cowboys into the vaunted Ring Of Honor: Drew Pearson, Larry Allen and Charles Haley. Haley is now up for consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here's what I wrote over the summer on Haley:
Charles Haley is a five time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro. He came over to Dallas in 1992,[correction] via trade, after spending his first six seasons in San Francisco. Haley was an instrumental part to the 49ers back to back championships, including a remarkable 1990 season (16 sacks, 20 AV). When he arrived in Dallas, he provided enough craziness in the defensive huddle to match Michael Irvin a couple times over. Jimmy Johnson's defense featured a constant rotating of linemen, keeping Haley fresh for late game heroics.
Haley's best season in Dallas actually was the non-championship campaign sandwiched in between three Lombardis. In the 1994 campaign, he notched 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception; earning a 16 AV. Earlier this summer, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for his time spent at James Madison University.
Also up for nomination is the man that gets credit (blame?) for bringing the 3-4 defense to Dallas. Head Coach and press conference king, Bill Parcells. Remember when we all used to tune into The Mothership daily to catch Parcells' live pressers? Those were the days. Parcells has two Super Bowl titles, both with the Giants, and has also coached the Jets and Patriots in addition to the four years he spent in Dallas. He was 34-30 with no playoff victories while in Big D.
Good luck to both of these gentlemen.
End Of Season Team Rankings | Advanced NFL Stats
Dallas was the second best team to not make the playoffs, ranking 11th.
1 recs | 99 comments
Is Raheem Morris out there?
Didn’t he used to be a DB’s coach? Wouldn’t mind him. But I think he’s going back to the Steelers.
Tuna Helper - January 9, 2012
Huge step back.
HC to DB coach?
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
Cough*See Dave Campo*Cough
BigBad Joe - January 9, 2012
I know.
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
lol
Tuna Helper - January 9, 2012
It happens. In fact, Campo did the same thing.
Head coach, Dallas 2000-2002
Def coordinator, Cleveland, 2003-2004
Secondary coach, Jax, 2005-2007
DannyWhite - January 9, 2012
Promotion...
There’s that saying “you’re promoted till the level of your incompetence.” Well, I guess that says something about Campo. After watching the secondary this year I bet he lands in high school football, but only as the grumpy trainer that hands out the jerseys before games…
reoninja - January 9, 2012 via mobile
Or
Head Coach in North Dakota High School Football.
Jessy S - January 11, 2012
the Bucs made a huge mistake giving Morris the HC job so early in his career.
he’s really only qualified to coach DBs & never should of taken that big step.
DCNation73 - January 10, 2012
let's hope
we’re not saying that about RHG in 2 years…
LucyFur3d - January 10, 2012 via mobile
funny
Terry - January 10, 2012
Jason Garrett is more qualified as head coach
Than half of the college football coaches in the country.
Jessy S - January 11, 2012
i heard the redskins were going after R.Morris pretty hard to coach the secondary.
the Mike Tomlin connection could land him with the steelers but several teams would love to have as the seconary coach.
DCNation73 - January 10, 2012
Speaking of Romo-led comebacks
Romo deserves serious consideration as 2011 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Small consolation, but would be well deserved…
DavidH22 - January 9, 2012
Yup.
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
definetly
salas88 - January 9, 2012
At the very least Romo should be nominated
but the award should be his.
Antonio S - January 9, 2012 via Android app
Sadly he wont get it because of the perception the media has (or made of him)
Just sad
ItalianStallion54 - January 9, 2012
actually who would get it though?
a lot of early candidates had their season cut short by injuries.
Guessing Alex Smith will get it
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 9, 2012
Yea probably media loves him
HES A PRO BOWL SNUB
sarcasm…just encase
ItalianStallion54 - January 10, 2012
Its like
Everyone feels sorry for Alex Smith so he should get some kid of reward. He’s not very good.
BrickTop - January 10, 2012 via mobile
how about Matthew Stafford? sure looks like the best comeback player i can remember.
seperated shoulders, was a first round pick, had huge doubters about staying healthy for 16 games.
then to throw over 5,000 yards & lead the Lions to a playoff game has be the biggest comeback for any player. Alex Smtih had a great comeback himself & turned his entire career around with the help of Jim Harbough (clearly coach of the year).
its amazing the job Harbough did with that 49ers team & sometimes i wonder what he could’ve did with the talent on the Dallas roster. I was all for Harbough but i have faith in Garrett to get this turned around but times running short & there will need some major changes on defense before that can happen. i’d also add this offense could use another starting calibur OL/Guard/Center (LT Smith & RT Free are the only sure things). Costa looks more like a Guard, i dont have a great read on the back up center (Klowolski) but a stud at Center with a high IQ would help Romo.
my wish list is (in any order) OLB, DL/NT, CB as top priority (to bad we missed out on JJ Watt, dude is a game changer & can take over games). no longer does the need for Almost Ant Spencer coming up small in big games can asily be replaced (possibly eveb by Butler which can create pass pressure). finally our best DL in Ratliff is starting to wear down early & is on the wrong side of 30. he needs a lot of help to remain a force or a consistent factor.
on offense its obvious they need a top flgiht Center & either pick a Guard up in FA , bank on the guys in house which were over matched at times last season mainly teams with dominate DLs) with Murray leading the pack with the RBs & Felix being a role player (5-10) touches/passes is about all he can handle. i think the addition of a 3rd down RB in the mold of a D.Sproles opens up a lot of things & causes major mismatches. Sproles is a dynamic returner & game changer on offense. hopefully Chia can find some inside info on a 3rd down player like Sproles that would fit the mold (L.James RB possible 3rd/4tf rd pick, David Wilson RB & im sure theres others) my final wish would be finding a TE that can block & be a threat in the passinf game Like J.Graham, Gronkowski, etc. thise 260+ power forwards opens up a lot space for other recievers, Rbs & takes a ton of pressure off Romo.
i think the Saints offense would be a great model for what Garrett likes to run but without the missing pieces its not going to get any better.
DCNation73 - January 10, 2012
I'd vote for Romo
Broken clavicle in 2010 then goes out and has the best season of his career which would be a typical MVP type season in most other years.
Terry - January 10, 2012
Seconded
The only rap against him is that he didn’t finish some games. in that I mean that he failed to lead the team to a win for any reason.
Jessy S - January 12, 2012
Rest of the defensive coaching staff didn't have a terrible unit.
So glad Campo is out. You’d think after him being a horrible HC hear and our secondary being crap for years we’d get someone else. In my time watching this team we rarely create interceptions.
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
Who will replace Campo??
salas88 - January 9, 2012
The watercooler might be an improvement.
So this question is pretty moot, imo. lol
jakezze01 - January 9, 2012
What's Bill Bates up to these days?
Mikellie - January 9, 2012
Or Charlie Waters
nospinzonefactor - January 10, 2012
Everson Walls?
StrosSouth - January 10, 2012
KD can we vote on the NFL awards?
I love this NFL Award Show idea.
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
link added to piece
KD Drummond - January 9, 2012
Thanks.
DCyanks21 - January 9, 2012
But probably Stafford will win that award...
DavidH22 - January 9, 2012
Time to go hire Ron Zook to replace Campo
Birddog26 - January 9, 2012
Info on this guy?
salas88 - January 9, 2012
Zook is the former head coach for Illinois
He was a defensive back for Miami in college. Here is a run down of his coaching career:
Murray State (DB)
Cincinnati (DC)
Kansas (DC)
Tennessee (DB)
Virginia Tech (AHC)
Ohio State (DB)
Florida (DC/DB)
Florida (ST)
Florida (Assoc. HC/ST/S)
Pittsburgh Steelers (ST)
Kansas City Chiefs (DB)
New Orleans Saints (DC)
Florida- Head Coach
Illinois-Head Coach
Birddog26 - January 10, 2012
I know we been ripping on Campo
but I also do think the entire secondary let us down.
Antonio S - January 9, 2012 via Android app
not the entire secondary, Jenkins played great even hurt.
salas88 - January 9, 2012
True that
but when did Jenkins become so frail?
Antonio S - January 9, 2012 via Android app
he did not have time to be fully healthy but we cannot question his toughness now.
salas88 - January 9, 2012
*Runs around like Jimmy V looking for someone to hug*
slimbig - January 9, 2012
Lmao!
sportsfanatic21 - January 9, 2012
lol
bloodyhanded - January 10, 2012
Long overdue.
DEL1SLE - January 9, 2012
very sad news for the Ogletree family
yehti - January 9, 2012 via mobile
From the fanshot:
fs65 - January 9, 2012
Charles Haley
was reported to have been beyond crazy even in Dallas. In the book Boys Will Be Boys he would reportedly um, “pleasure himself” at his locker, in front of teamates, during meetings, basically whenever the urge struck him. Of course, I have no idea if this is true or if the book was false (I heard Haley has been diagnosed/treated for bi-polar disorder and is doing better now that he is on meds). However, I was kinda surprised to see him put into the ROH (not because he was a chronic masturbator, but because he only spent 5 years with the team). He definitely deserves to be in the HOF though! Good for him!
Tennessee_Jed - January 9, 2012
Even though he had a propensity to wax his dolphin in public...
…Haley remains on of my all time favorite Cowboys. I hope he gets in this year. He remains the only player with Five rings to this day (and he was a key contributer on all 5 of those teams).
gee-roj - January 9, 2012 via mobile
He might deserve the HOF but he is only the 3rd best DE in Cowboys history. And the the two ahead of him are not in the HOF.
Jonathan Stern - January 9, 2012
Let me guess...Harvey Martin and Too Tall Jones
Terry - January 10, 2012
BINGO
Jonathan Stern - January 10, 2012
About time
this secondary issue goes back years. Lets hope we get a shut down corner and a safety that can knock the fillings out of Victor Cruzes teeth when he trys to cross the middle next season.
sexililkitti - January 9, 2012 via mobile
We have not had that since Roy Williams 1st 2-3 years
A lot of folks wore Roy Williams jerseys back then.
cowboy1966 - January 9, 2012
I've got one I'll sell ya cheap...
CDMac24 - January 9, 2012 via iPhone app
good move
I’m fine with other coaches staying in their positions (though wouldn’t mind if the team looked for an OC to relieve some of Garrett’s duties). I actually like what most other positions on the field are doing with the talent they’ve been given.
foyesboys - January 9, 2012
I would like to see Houck gone.....
fs65 - January 9, 2012
I don't know if it's the players or the coach
but if we change both we can’t be wrong. Bye Newman and Campo.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 9, 2012
Either way...
Campo’s time has passed.
Omar Little - January 9, 2012
Haley needs to be elected into the HOF, it's long overdue.
pfloyd1 - January 9, 2012
Especially over due for Harvey Martin and Too Tall Jones
Harvey Martin had 23 sacks and was superbowl Co MVP in 1977
Jonathan Stern - January 10, 2012
Good move............
getting rid of one of JJ’s pets.
Who will make the call on Campo’s replacement Ryan or JG?
TCB Orange Dino - January 9, 2012
*dances jig*
Yeah! Campo’s gone.
Final Frame - January 9, 2012
Look, I'm sure he is a good man and I am the last person to be happy about another's misfortune
…BUT THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED THREE YEARS AGO!
I’m bolstered by the fact that they made ANOTHER tough decision about someone Jerry likes a great deal. It’s another sign that the TRINITY is making good business decisions for the future of this team.
At the same time, I am surprised that they are retaining Houck. That doesn’t bode well for hiring Sparano.
5Blings - January 9, 2012
Ehhh...I dunno
Retaining Houck, I see it like it’s probably just his last year here because the guy (or guys) they really want can’t be had.
Omar Little - January 9, 2012
Could very well be
There could be a trade off as well. Losing Campo could mean JJ’s wants JG to bring in an OC to help out.
Final Frame - January 9, 2012
Where does it say they're retaining Houck?
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
5Blings told me so I took his word for it.
If they do retain Houck my point still stands, to me it shows that the guy they wanted wasn’t there but they still had to field an OL coach so Houck gets to stay.
Omar Little - January 9, 2012
Yeah, it only says that Campo will be the only defensive coach let go. The Houck
thing will be interesting. Obviously, we’re all wondering about Sparano.
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
I may have read too much into it
One would think the keepers would have been notified just as the pink slips were handed out.
If they’re going to clip him, I hope they don’t string it out.
5Blings - January 9, 2012
Houck still hasnt been retained
it’s just no more ‘defensive’ staff changes… Houck is still “unsigned” as of today
KD Drummond - January 9, 2012
Thanks. That's what I saw.
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
I'm hoping they are waiting to see if Sparano would return
Coakey - January 9, 2012
campo
Glad to see campo on his way out. Hopefully T-new goes too. Not trying to bash T-new because he was one of my fav cowboys at one time, just got to much tread on the tires so to speak. Hopefully we can sign some sort of CB this offseason because it don’t matter who the new coach is with jenkins scandrick and ball as our 3 corners (well mostly scandrick and ball jenkins kinda redeamed himself this season n my eyes)
cjs.93 - January 9, 2012 via mobile
Not enough tread on the tires, not too much.
Tires go bad when the tread wears thin.
fs65 - January 10, 2012
If y'all want to vote for the Romo-led come back:
http://www.nfl.com/voting/never-say-never/2011/YEAR/0
The video actually shows the wrong hit; that’s not the one his rib got broken on.
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
Vote early and often. :)
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
Done and done.
The video won’t play for some reason, though. Didn’t stop me from voting like 30x lol
jakezze01 - January 9, 2012
Excellent!
Fernie67 - January 9, 2012
Can't say I'm surprised
I love Campo’s passion for The Star, but his firing is long overdue. That’s also too bad about Ogletree’s brother. I hope he gets better.
me gusta - January 9, 2012 via mobile
Si, me gusta to this..
don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
fiverings37 - January 9, 2012
Upgrade both linesDB's and OLB's...
…and I suspect we will be markedly better.
CaliFanInTx - January 9, 2012 via mobile
Oh is that all?
Nickthegrip - January 9, 2012
Yeah, he really went out on a limb with that prediction. :)
fs65 - January 10, 2012
Ah Campo, nice knowing you, eh not really, you are associated with a lot of low points in Cowboy histroy
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 9, 2012
But Camps...
has been a very loyal and important Cowboy in the early part of the regime. He came with Jimmy and fufilled an important role for him. And althogh he was Jimmy’s “whipping boy” by his own admission, he helped us when the 3 Rings.
Good man, wish him well, but indeed time to move on. JJ will honor his service in some way and hopefully send him off with some dignity.
Time for Wade Wilson and Houck to go…
ChuckCowboy - January 9, 2012
+1 on Wade Wilson!!!
5Blings - January 9, 2012
Blings...that's where I think Sparano becomes even more important...
his repore and previous success w/Romo, his development of Matt Moore, and his obvious success with O-lines. But perhaps calling plays and the official OC title and responsibilities is important to Sparano. I’d sure though like to see him assume—at a minimum—Wade and Houck’s role.
ChuckCowboy - January 9, 2012
I wonder how good the rapport between Sparano and JG was
JG was a Jerry hire and Sparano was a Tuna leftover.
5Blings - January 10, 2012
So according to PFT
Campo is the lone staff member to be replaced this off season. Let’s just hope PFT is as unreliable as ever. Isn’t there a Kardashian story they should be breaking?
stubabe - January 10, 2012
I think nothing of it
I trust the other various sources far more than PFT and think they just shorthanded the quote in the piece above and removed defensive.
As you obv. are aware, they aren’t a very accountable site, even though they do keep up with the news after it happens.
KD Drummond - January 10, 2012
Campo..Good enough to coach in three Super Bowls
but not this sorry azz defense. Jerry is just lining up the scapegoats and media and fans are buying his lies.
bevomav - January 10, 2012
Campo is the sacrificial lamb for crappy Rob Ryan D.
He had bad personal to start with and very little pressure from the pass rush. It wasn’t coaching, it was players and has been for a while. Dallas needs 2 new starting safeties and one new starting CB. Firing the coach fixes nothing.
DIRE WOLF - January 10, 2012
The secondary has been mentally unprepared since Campo came back
I just don’t think he’s as good a coach as people make him out to be.
5Blings - January 10, 2012
disagree, they were prepared, just not that talented
Terry - January 10, 2012
When the DB's are pointing at each other arguing about who had what coverage
…you might call that a lack of talent.
I call that a lack of preparation and poor coaching.
5Blings - January 10, 2012
I call it stupid players.
DIRE WOLF - January 10, 2012
I don't have the privilege of knowing what's in their head, but I know they're JAGs at best.
DIRE WOLF - January 10, 2012
woops, @ 5Bling
DIRE WOLF - January 10, 2012
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