Cowboys Fire D-Coordinator (1 Viewer)

[Christo]

The Dallas Cowboys have relieved defensive coordinator Brian Stewart of his duties after two seasons.

Stewart was let go despite Dallas improving from ninth in total defense in 2007 to eighth in 2008 and finishing fourth overall against the pass and leading the league in sacks, including a league-high 20 from DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys also gave up 22.8 points per game, which was 20th in the league.

The Cowboys' decision was initiated by owner Jerry Jones but not an attempt to provoke Phillips into quitting in protest, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder. According to a team source, Jones had made the decision shortly after the season but delayed an announcement at Phillips' request to enable Stewart to seek another job in the NFL before he was terminated.

Stewart coached the San Diego Chargers' secondary for three seasons before following Phillips to the Cowboys. Midway through the season, Phillips reportedly became more involved in the defensive play-calling. Later in the year, he publicly stated he was calling the defense.

The Dallas Cowboys spent Friday making changes. They fired defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is among the top candidates for the Rams job, writes Matt Mosley. Blog

"I hope Mr. Jones and Wade know how much I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Dallas Cowboys," Stewart said. "Of course, I am disappointed and frustrated about this decision. This defense has accomplished so much in two years, individually and collectively. I know that there will be many reasons to celebrate their accomplishments in the future."

More moves may come soon. Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett remained among the finalists for the St. Louis Rams' head coaching job.

If Garrett is offered the the Rams job, Jerry Jones is prepared to permit his departure without a counteroffer that would involve firing Phillips and appointing Garrett the head coach in Dallas, according to multiple team sources.

Jones personally initiated Garrett's return to the Cowboy and last year made him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL to convince him to turn down head coaching jobs in Atlanta and Baltimore. Jones did so with the expectation that Garrett would eventually replace Phillips.

According to sources, Jones would do everything short of firing Phillips -- even release wide receiver Terrell Owens, with whom insiders believe Garrett could not co-exist -- to retain Garrett. But those sources say Garrett would never put Jones in the position of deciding whether to fire Phillips and release Owens to keep him in the organization.

Garrett's departure would probably increase the potential of Owens returning to the Cowboys in 2009.

It is not known whom Jones views as potential candidates to replace Garrett, if it becomes necessary. Two in-house candidates are receivers coach Ray Sherman, who has previously been a play-caller in the NFL, or quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, who has played a key role in the development of quarterback Tony Romo.

Dallas finished a disappointing 9-7 and out of the playoffs after going 13-3 in 2007.

During what has become an annual December decline, the Cowboys suffered a painful loss to the Baltimore Ravens in a game in which Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain ripped off long, record runs each time Dallas got close in the final minutes.

Still, all the Cowboys needed to do was beat the Eagles in the final game and they would at least salvage a playoff berth. Instead, they were stomped 44-6 and finished with a 9-7 record.

The Cowboys have lost nine consecutive season finales.

Before the Eagles loss, Jones was asked about changes that might occur if Dallas failed to make the playoffs again.

"Look, can y'all not understand statements?" Jones said. "The coaching staff is in place. The coaching staff is in place. The building is here. You want to ask the question, what if it blows down?"

ESPN.com senior writer Michael Smith, NFL reporter Ed Werder and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ESPN

 

[{Syrus}]

old news

 

[gigantor]

Oakland is the poor man's Dallas.

 

[Bankerguy]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?

We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

 

[Routilla]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

 

[Christo]

I didn't say it was bad. But Stewart wasn't the "problem." When you have an institutional problem, it doesn't get solved by firing someone in middle management.

 

[fatness]

According to sources, Jones would do everything short of firing Phillips -- even release wide receiver Terrell Owens, with whom insiders believe Garrett could not co-exist -- to retain Garrett. But those sources say Garrett would never put Jones in the position of deciding whether to fire Phillips and release Owens to keep him in the organization.

Garrett's departure would probably increase the potential of Owens returning to the Cowboys in 2009.

It is not known whom Jones views as potential candidates to replace Garrett, if it becomes necessary. Two in-house candidates are receivers coach Ray Sherman, who has previously been a play-caller in the NFL, or quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, who has played a key role in the development of quarterback Tony Romo.

ESPN

My god, what a soap opera.

 

[Bankerguy]

I didn't say it was bad. But Stewart wasn't the "problem." When you have an institutional problem, it doesn't get solved by firing someone in middle management.

It still doesn't excuse his poor coaching.

 

[Bri]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

(Just playing devils advocate)That D got it together for the last handful of games (maybe not week 17, the team was terrible then) and was excellent as the season closed out. For much of the season I was barking how they had all this talent and the NFL leader in sacks yet weren't a top D. Well they started to reach that level near the end there.Although it might be Parcells, IMO no GM is going to be fired with that much talent on a team. I thought Pacman was comical and Zach is a step slow but otherwise the team was loaded.Carpenter's son is still sitting on the sideline more than playing and that's a wasted 1st round(or 2nd?) pick. Someone deserves some flack for that. If they have too much LB depth then trade him. He grew up studying BBs system with his Dad; somehow I think BB or Mangini would take him if the price was right. Another option is cutting a guy picked that high that likely makes the accompanying (somewhat)high salary. Leaving a high pick on the bench doesn't sit well with me.

 

[Bri]

According to sources, Jones would do everything short of firing Phillips -- even release wide receiver Terrell Owens, with whom insiders believe Garrett could not co-exist -- to retain Garrett. But those sources say Garrett would never put Jones in the position of deciding whether to fire Phillips and release Owens to keep him in the organization.

Garrett's departure would probably increase the potential of Owens returning to the Cowboys in 2009.

It is not known whom Jones views as potential candidates to replace Garrett, if it becomes necessary. Two in-house candidates are receivers coach Ray Sherman, who has previously been a play-caller in the NFL, or quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, who has played a key role in the development of quarterback Tony Romo.

ESPN

My god, what a soap opera.

The rumors I saw was-If Jones can get Shanny or a name, then he'll force Phillips to DC.

DC Mike Zimmer is still highly thought of in Dallas' org and they'd like him to throw his hat in the coaching ring. While he went to Cincy where they play musical LBs with all their injuries, it doesn't seem he lost his luster. IIRC he has had a top 5 4-3 and 3-4 D which is pretty impressive. He's the speed, speed, speed guy that Parcells wanted to accept some slower yet bigger more powerful players. #1 D in Dallas about 4-5 years ago.

Some think Jones would hire any DC that was a name just to make a splash, one guy quipped he'd bring back Buddy Ryan if he could.

Most people I talk to expect nothing. The Cowboys have had a curious "we're fine, nothings wrong" attitude since they were knocked from the playoffs and they're trying to fire guys quietly. It's pretty odd. Not sure if you guys missed it but they signed a good ST coach and likely solved a big prob in 09 right there.

 

[Larrywarren]

Points allowed 22.8 per game, ranked 20 in NFL is enough reason.

Their divisional rivals were ranked 4, 5 and 6 in points allowed.

 

[JaxBill]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

I guess to an outsider it looks strange when a team has the 8th ranked defense (by total yards) and the 13 ranked offense (18th in points) and the DC is fired while the OC is treated like royalty. Not saying that Dallas' defense couldn't have created more turnovers with that personnel, but the offense turned the ball over 12 times in the last 3 losses.

 

[Christo]

I didn't say it was bad. But Stewart wasn't the "problem." When you have an institutional problem, it doesn't get solved by firing someone in middle management.

It still doesn't excuse his poor coaching.

So what? It wasn't the point of the post.

 

[Bankerguy]

I didn't say it was bad. But Stewart wasn't the "problem." When you have an institutional problem, it doesn't get solved by firing someone in middle management.

It still doesn't excuse his poor coaching.

So what? It wasn't the point of the post.

Yes, I understand that. Since we all know the Cowboys owner is not going to fire the GM, this was a good move in firing Stewart.

 

[Bankerguy]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

I guess to an outsider it looks strange when a team has the 8th ranked defense (by total yards) and the 13 ranked offense (18th in points) and the DC is fired while the OC is treated like royalty. Not saying that Dallas' defense couldn't have created more turnovers with that personnel, but the offense turned the ball over 12 times in the last 3 losses.

Wade was running the defense from about the mid point on. They improved immediately and played better save the Balt and Philly games. Hell even the Balt game the palyed well until the last 4 mins.

 

[SR388]

While I agree the GM needs to fired but won't happen. Help us Cowboy fans understand why the Stewart firing is bad?We all thought he was terrible and the players had no respect for him.

(Just playing devils advocate)That D got it together for the last handful of games (maybe not week 17, the team was terrible then) and was excellent as the season closed out. For much of the season I was barking how they had all this talent and the NFL leader in sacks yet weren't a top D. Well they started to reach that level near the end there.Although it might be Parcells, IMO no GM is going to be fired with that much talent on a team. I thought Pacman was comical and Zach is a step slow but otherwise the team was loaded.Carpenter's son is still sitting on the sideline more than playing and that's a wasted 1st round(or 2nd?) pick. Someone deserves some flack for that. If they have too much LB depth then trade him. He grew up studying BBs system with his Dad; somehow I think BB or Mangini would take him if the price was right. Another option is cutting a guy picked that high that likely makes the accompanying (somewhat)high salary. Leaving a high pick on the bench doesn't sit well with me.

Wade was calling all the shots on D for the latter part of the season and it is widely considered the reason for the D's improvement.In a perfect world, Wade should be demoted to Def coach, retaining his HC salary to help lessen the blow. Then they need to hire a guy like Shanny, Gruden or just about anybody not named Wade Phillups or Rich Kotite.