Cowboys Head Coaches: A Timeline Under Jerry Jones

Hey Cowboys fans! Ever wondered about the full list of head coaches who've led America's Team under Jerry Jones' ownership? From the glory days of Jimmy Johnson to the current era with Brian Schottenheimer, let's dive into a comprehensive timeline of the Dallas Cowboys head coaches. This journey through coaching history will bring back memories, spark discussions, and maybe even settle a few bar bets! So, grab your favorite jersey, settle in, and let's explore the coaches who've tried to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas.

The Jerry Jones Era: A Look at Cowboys Head Coaches

Since Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, there have been several changes in leadership on the sidelines. Understanding the Cowboys head coach history under Jones provides insight into the franchise's ups and downs. From iconic figures to short-lived tenures, each coach has left their mark on the team's legacy. Let's break down each era and the impact these leaders had on the Cowboys. We will delve into their records, notable achievements, and the circumstances surrounding their departures. Exploring this Dallas Cowboys head coaches timeline will give you a deeper appreciation for the coaching carousel that can be the NFL coaches. We'll uncover the strategies, the personalities, and the pivotal moments that defined each coach's time in Dallas. Whether it was the magic of a Super Bowl run or the frustration of a playoff drought, each coach’s story is an integral part of the Cowboys' rich tapestry. So, join us as we trace the footsteps of these leaders and relive the highs and lows of the Jerry Jones era.

Jimmy Johnson (1989-1993): The Architect of a Dynasty

The Jimmy Johnson era is arguably the most successful in the Jerry Jones ownership. Johnson, known for his no-nonsense approach and incredible talent evaluation, transformed the Cowboys from a struggling team into a dominant force. Inheriting a 1-15 team in 1989, Johnson quickly began rebuilding through the draft, famously trading Herschel Walker for a treasure trove of picks that landed the Cowboys players like Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Russell Maryland. His ability to identify and develop talent was second to none. Johnson's coaching style was demanding but effective, creating a culture of discipline and accountability within the team. This culture was instrumental in turning young players into stars and veterans into leaders. By 1992, the Cowboys were Super Bowl champions, defeating the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. They followed that up with another Super Bowl victory the following year, cementing their status as a dynasty. However, despite the on-field success, tensions between Johnson and Jerry Jones began to surface. Differing visions for the team's future and clashes over control ultimately led to Johnson's surprising departure in 1993. His legacy, however, remains untouchable. Johnson built the foundation for the Cowboys' 90s dynasty, and his impact is still felt today. He not only won games but also changed the culture of the organization, setting a standard of excellence that subsequent coaches have strived to achieve. The Cowboys history books will forever remember Jimmy Johnson as one of the greatest coaches in franchise history, a true architect of a dynasty.

Barry Switzer (1994-1997): Riding the Wave

Following Jimmy Johnson's departure, Barry Switzer stepped in to take the reins, inheriting a Super Bowl-caliber team. Switzer, Johnson's former colleague at Oklahoma, was tasked with maintaining the Cowboys' dominance. While he did manage to win Super Bowl XXX in 1996, the circumstances surrounding his head coach tenure were quite different from Johnson's. Switzer benefited from the roster that Johnson had meticulously assembled, featuring stars like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. However, his coaching style was more laid-back compared to Johnson's intensity, leading to some concerns about discipline and focus within the team. Despite the Super Bowl victory, Switzer's tenure was marked by inconsistency and off-field issues involving players. The team's performance fluctuated, and there were moments where it seemed the dynasty was on the verge of collapse. By 1997, after a disappointing season, Switzer resigned. His time with the Cowboys is viewed as a mixed bag. He achieved the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl, but he also faced criticism for not maximizing the potential of the talented roster he inherited. Switzer's era serves as a reminder that even with exceptional players, coaching leadership plays a crucial role in sustained success. His legacy is forever intertwined with the dynasty he helped extend, but also with the questions of what could have been under different circumstances.

Chan Gailey (1998-1999): A Short-Lived Experiment

The late 1990s brought coaching changes and a new face to the Cowboys' sideline in Chan Gailey. Hired in 1998, Gailey's tenure was relatively brief and ultimately unsuccessful in restoring the Cowboys to their former glory. Tasked with revitalizing an aging roster and navigating salary cap challenges, Gailey faced an uphill battle from the start. His coaching style, though respected, didn't quite resonate with the team's culture or fan expectations. The Cowboys struggled to maintain the level of performance that had defined the early 90s, and playoff appearances were followed by quick exits. Gailey's offensive schemes, while innovative in some respects, failed to consistently generate the explosive plays that had been a hallmark of the Cowboys' dynasty years. The team's record reflected the struggles, and after just two seasons, Gailey was let go. His time in Dallas is often viewed as a transitional period, a time when the team was searching for its identity after the dynasty years. Gailey's departure marked another turning point in the Cowboys' coaching timeline, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a team while maintaining high expectations. His legacy serves as a reminder of the constant pressure coaches face in Dallas to deliver championship-caliber results.

Dave Campo (2000-2002): The Dark Years

The early 2000s were a dark period for the Dallas Cowboys, and Dave Campo was at the helm during those challenging years. Campo, a longtime assistant coach with the team, was promoted to head coach in 2000. He inherited a roster in decline and faced significant challenges in a rapidly changing NFL landscape. Campo's tenure was marked by consistent losing seasons, struggles on both sides of the ball, and a general lack of competitiveness. The Cowboys struggled to find an identity, and the once-proud franchise seemed adrift. Campo's defensive background didn't translate into improved performance on that side of the ball, and the offense lacked the firepower to consistently score points. Fan frustration grew, and the pressure mounted on Campo to turn things around. However, the results never materialized, and after three seasons, Campo was relieved of his duties. His time as head coach is often viewed as the low point of the Jerry Jones era, a period of rebuilding and searching for answers. Campo's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of having the right leadership in place to navigate difficult times and restore a team to prominence. His experience highlights the challenges of transitioning from assistant coach to head coach, especially when faced with significant roster and organizational challenges.

Bill Parcells (2003-2006): The Tuna Arrives

In 2003, Jerry Jones made a splash by hiring Bill Parcells, a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, to restore the Cowboys to their winning ways. Parcells, known for his disciplinarian style and ability to turn around struggling franchises, brought a sense of hope and renewed expectations to Dallas. His arrival signaled a commitment to winning and a return to the fundamentals of football. Parcells quickly implemented his trademark emphasis on toughness, discipline, and a strong running game. He brought in veteran players and drafted strategically to build a team in his image. The Cowboys showed signs of improvement under Parcells, making the playoffs twice during his tenure. However, they never quite reached the Super Bowl heights that many had hoped for. Parcells' coaching style, while effective in many ways, also created some friction within the organization. His demanding personality and sometimes abrasive approach didn't always mesh with the team's culture. After four seasons, Parcells decided to retire, leaving behind a mixed legacy. He brought stability and respectability back to the Cowboys, but he didn't deliver the championship that Jerry Jones craved. Parcells' time in Dallas is remembered as a period of transition, a step in the right direction but ultimately not the final destination. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between coaches, players, and owners in the NFL, and the challenges of building a championship team in a high-pressure environment.

Wade Phillips (2007-2010): The Underachiever

Wade Phillips took over as head coach in 2007, bringing his defensive expertise to the Dallas Cowboys. Phillips, a respected defensive coordinator, had a long track record in the NFL. His hiring was seen as a move to build on the foundation that Bill Parcells had laid. Phillips' tenure started promisingly, with the Cowboys posting a 13-3 record in his first season. However, playoff disappointment followed, and the team never quite lived up to its potential under his leadership. Despite having a talented roster, the Cowboys struggled with consistency and often faltered in crucial moments. Phillips' laid-back personality contrasted with Parcells' intensity, and some felt that the team lacked the necessary fire and discipline. The 2010 season started disastrously, and after a 1-7 start, Phillips was fired mid-season. His time in Dallas is viewed as an underachievement, a missed opportunity to capitalize on the team's talent. Phillips' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of playoff success in defining a coach's tenure, and the challenges of leading a team with Super Bowl aspirations. His experience highlights the pressure coaches face in Dallas to not only win games but also deliver championships.

Jason Garrett (2011-2019): The Clapper

Jason Garrett served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2011 to 2019, making him the longest-tenured coach under Jerry Jones. Garrett, a former Cowboys quarterback, brought a sense of continuity and stability to the team. His coaching style was characterized by his emphasis on discipline, fundamentals, and the