Cowboys: Jerry Jones, Haunted by Jimmy Johnson

The Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, still wants to show the world he can win without former head coach Jimmy Johnson.

In 1989, when wealthy oilman Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise was coming off of a 3-13 season and losing money. America’s Team had sunk to a new low, something the storied franchise hadn’t experienced since 1960, its inaugural season.

To make matters worse, Jones had the audacity to fire legendary head coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys only head coach and winningest coach in franchise history. This wealthy oilman from Arkansas had lost his damn mind, to say the least. Nobody fires Landry, regardless of a losing record, people said.

As we all know, Jones shocked the world one more time when he hired former Miami Hurricanes head coach Jimmy Johnson. Cowboys’ fans everywhere were beyond disappointment and sadness. How do you replace Landry with a college coach? Ditto Johnson winning a National Championships at the “U”.

This was the NFL.

The fact Johnson coached wide receiver Michael Irvin in college didn’t carry any weight, either.

Jones and Johnson weren’t done making moves. Johnson traded the Cowboys best player, running back Herschel Walker, to the Minnesota Vikings for a boat load of draft picks and players.

Overnight, Jones went from an unknown wealthy oilman from Arkansas to the most popular, and hated, owner in the NFL.

Jones and Johnson would suffer an awful 1-15 season before turning the Cowboys into one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history. Under Johnson’s maniacal and dictatorial leadership, the Cowboys won back to back Super Bowls and eventually won 3 out of four Super Bowls in a four year span. The Cowboys accomplished a feat that had never been done in the Super Bowl era.

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Although Jones was the General Manager, Johnson was seen as the brains and architect of building that dynasty. From finagling the Walker trade, to finding hidden gems like Leon Lett, Darren Woodson, Larry Brown, Jimmie Johnson, Alvin Harper, Erik Williams, and Larry Allen most experts give credit Johnson.

Recognizing the Cowboys needed a dominant pass rusher to get to the next level, Johnson pulled the trigger and traded a second round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for disgruntled but ultra-talented defensive end, Charles Haley.

Haley’s dominance propelled the Cowboys defense to one of the best, en route to winning three Super Bowls in four years. However, Dallas could have won four straight Super Bowls if not for Jones firing Johnson after the 1994 season. Who fires a coach after a Super Bowl winning season?

Jerry Jones does, similar to how he unceremoniously fired Landry.

There are different rumors or reasons for why Jones fired Johnson. Some rumors suggested that Johnson became downright disrespectful to Jones and the egotistical owner had to fire him. Another rumor suggested Jones wanted to be more hands-on in the player development process.

Regardless of which rumor you believe or side you’re on, it was the worse mistake Jones has ever made. In fact, it’s football’s version of the stock market crashing.

Whether is was egos clashing or Jones wanting credit for the Cowboys success, Jones is clearly haunted by the success Johnson afforded him as owner of the Cowboys. It’s evident more than ever in seeing the Cowboys retain impotent and puppet head coach Jason Garrett. There is no doubt Jones love Garrett like his third son, but Jones not firing Garrett has more to do with Jones proving the nay sayers that he can win with his hand picked coach.

It’s that simple and that realistic.

Jones has picked several coaches over the years (Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Wade Phillips) to win him that coveted Lombardi trophy, all have failed miserably. I left out future Hall Famer and former head coach Bill Parcells on purpose because his coaching resume speaks for itself.

Parcells was building a Super Bowl contender until he retired, probably because of Jones meddling.