Jerry Jones should know better. This is not the way to conduct a successful coaching search. You would think after five previous searches, Jerry would've figured that out. Guess not.
Who knows whether Jerry will find the coach to the lead the Cowboys to the sixth Super Bowl title in franchise history? Frankly, simply winning a playoff game might be enough to get a lifetime contract given the Cowboys' recent history.
This isn't about Jason Garrett or Wade Phillips or Norv Turner or Gary Gibbs. And it won't be about whomever else Jerry seeks permission to interview.
This is strictly about his process. It is flawed. If this weren't a family newspaper, the language regarding this process would be stronger. Much stronger.
No one hires the offensive or defensive coordinator before the head coach. And no one hires a coordinator and says if we can't find anybody better, then we'll make you the head coach.
That is the dumbest thing ever.
Now, maybe Jerry has a perfectly logical explanation. But he's gone underground these days, so there's no official explanation for why one of the smartest businessmen you'll ever meet has chosen such a dysfunctional way to hire a coach for one of the world's most recognizable franchises.
The problem with hiring coordinators before the head coach is the message it sends. It tells the players the coach isn't really running the team because he didn't even get to pick the two assistants who should have the most impact on whether he succeeds.
It says Jerry is running the team. Again.
If we're being honest, we all knew Jerry was going to take that approach with this coach, especially after his four-year, $20 million investment with Bill Parcells failed to produce an NFC East title or a playoff win.
And he's done it that way before with limited success. Remember, Parcells was the first coach since Jimmy Johnson to have contractual authority to hire and fire assistant coaches. That's important because it removes any ambiguity about who's in charge of the staff.
If Jerry were talking, he'd probably say Miami locked up defensive coordinator Dom Capers to a three-year deal before hiring Cam Cameron as head coach. Those same Dolphins are 38-42 over the last five seasons without a playoff win. Following their lead seems like a bad idea.
The coach, whoever it is, needs the freedom to bring in people he trusts to spread his philosophy throughout the team's Valley Ranch training complex. When Jones hires the offensive coordinator first, you don't get that.
There is, however, an exception.
If Jones has already spoken to the seventh head coach in franchise history and discussed Garrett's strengths and weaknesses, then it would make sense. Of course, if that's the case, why all of the mystery – just make an announcement.
Another theory says Garrett is really the guy Jerry wants to hire; he just can't convince himself to pull the trigger. If that's the case, then good luck finding a coach. No one wants to come in here and hold the job for a couple of years – or losses – until Jerry thinks Garrett is ready to assume the throne.
Garrett as an offensive coordinator makes sense because he was essentially an extra coach for most of his career. That's the only way to play 12 seasons and throw fewer than 300 passes.
He worked or played for Jimmy Johnson, Norv Turner, Ernie Zampese, Sean Payton, Jon Gruden, Mike Mularkey and Nick Saban. That's a pretty impressive list of coaches. He also spent more than half his playing career with the Cowboys as Troy Aikman's backup.
It would be better if Garrett had experience as a play-caller, but Andy Reid hadn't called plays before Philadelphia made him its head coach, and that's worked out fine. Tony Sparano hadn't called plays in the NFL until last season, and the Cowboys averaged 26.6 points per game, fourth in the league.
There are no guarantees when it comes to finding a head coach. Every choice has the potential to be a Lovie Smith success or a Marty Mornhinweg failure.
This arcane approach simply makes it more difficult for the man Jerry selects to succeed.
Columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor looks at the candidates:
WADE PHILLIPS
BRING HIM ON: If he can do the same thing for DeMarcus Ware he's done for Shawne Merriman
KEEP LOOKING: Because he's not going to create any national buzz
JASON GARRETT
BRING HIM ON: Because he's one of the bright offensive minds in the game
KEEP LOOKING: Because the first play he calls will be the first play he calls
NORV TURNER
BRING HIM ON: If you think Tony Romo can become a franchise QB
KEEP LOOKING: If you spend too much time studying his record as a head coach
GARY GIBBS
BRING HIM ON: Because he got a lot out of a little in New Orleans
KEEP LOOKING: If you don't want a head coach perceived as having no juice
