IRVING – It's Norv Turner's turn to convince the Jones family that he's the right man to replace Bill Parcells.
Turner, the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator, will interview with the Cowboys today.
But Saturday, it was New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs' chance to interview for the Cowboys' head coaching position.
Gibbs visited Valley Ranch in the morning and left town by late afternoon after speaking with owner/general manager Jerry Jones, vice president Stephen Jones, Parcells and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
"I had a good day today," Gibbs said following the interview. "I felt like we had a good visit. It was very comfortable visiting, having been here for four years. I felt at ease. We covered a lot of topics."
Gibbs is the fifth candidate to interview for the job since Parcells retired Monday. Dallas spoke with San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on Friday. Earlier in the week, Cowboys assistants Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles and Todd Haley interviewed.
Haley accepted a position to become the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator. If Bowles and Sparano don't get the Cowboys head coaching job, it appears they will remain on the staff in some capacity.
Gibbs was Cowboys' linebackers coach for four seasons (2002-2005). He helped in the development of several linebackers, including Dexter Coakley (team leader in tackles with 173 in 2002) and Dat Nguyen (led with 135 tackles in in 2004).
Prior to that, Gibbs was head coach at Oklahoma for six seasons, replacing Barry Switzer in 1989.
"I think he's every bit as qualified or more so, than some of these guys that are just taking their first shot at it," said Larry Lacewell, who was Oklahoma's defensive coordinator when Gibbs played at Oklahoma.
"But you know Oklahoma is not a small stage when you go through that learning experience having followed Switzer, which is a tough deal. He's dealt with the big-time press, not like the NFL, but he's dealt with it."
Gibbs has never been a head coach in the NFL.
"I'm not obsessed with being a head coach," Gibbs said. "I like coaching, and I've enjoyed my time while I was here, and I've enjoyed my time in New Orleans."
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SCOTT THRELKELD / N.O. Times-Picayune Gary Gibbs, the Cowboys' former linebackers coach, helped turned the Saints around as their defensive coordinator. |
Under Gibbs, the Saints finished the regular season third in the NFL in pass defense, 13th against the run and 11th overall.
In 2005, prior to Gibbs' arrival, the Saints were 14th in total defense, including third against the pass and 27th against the run.
During his interview, Gibbs talked about adding some wrinkles to the Cowboys' 3-4 defensive scheme, which could mean a more aggressive style.
"At the end of the day, it's making sure you put players in position to make plays on Sunday," Gibbs said. "Players will win games for you. It's not a problem for the style of defense they do here."
Gibbs talked to the Cowboys about a variety of subjects, which didn't include petulant receiver Terrell Owens.
But Gibbs said based on what he's seen on television, he believes Owens wants to win.
"He's a playmaker and you want to take advantage of playmakers," Gibbs said.
There is no timetable for when the Cowboys will name a coach. On Thursday, Jerry Jones is scheduled to leave for Miami, the site of Super Bowl XLI.
