| Jerry Incognito? |
The current state of the Dallas Cowboys is especially hard
for long time Fans to endure. By “long time” I mean pre-Jerry Jones.
This is not to imply that the Cowboys never had their on
field difficulties resulting in a less than desirable win loss column. The initial
years of Cowboys history records such struggles. It must be remembered that
such difficulties are a part of what made the Cowboys available for Jerry Jones
to purchase in 1989.
But there was one constant that could be counted on within
the Cowboys organization. Ownership, Management and Team were separate, and
essentially, at arms length. The flow of authority and responsibility was known
and respected as all personnel were allowed to perform their jobs. And of
course, occasionally, if their jobs weren’t performed satisfactorily,
replacements were found. But the process worked.
But within the NFL family, this scenario was not always
followed. Different business models were implemented which mingled positions, job
descriptions, duties and authority. The concept of separation of power was not
as adhered to in these models. In fact, sometimes, especially when Ownership
was vested in a family, power seemed to collect within a particular individual
and family members.
In Dallas,
Jerry Jones implemented a rather ordinary business model when He purchased the
Cowboys, one familiar to the NFL landscape. Yes, Jerry was a shoot from the
hip, boisterous, cocky owner, but was relegated to trying to right America’s Team
that had become a listing ship threatening to sink. His business acumen was the
perfect antidote for such an economically sick, yet proud business enterprise.
| A Celebration for all |
The landscape began to change, however, with the arrival of
success. Back to Back Super Bowl victories put Jones and the Cowboys on the
pinnacle of the NFL universe with all the accolades that accompany those that
prove to be the best in their business. Jones, however, wasn’t quite content
with the acclaim that came his way. He decided, for whatever reason, that he wanted
and/or needed more.
With this desire or need came commensurate meddling with
coaches and players. At the head of the list was Jimmy Johnson and the
authority he wielded through written contract over all personnel, coaches and
players. Driving a wedge between himself and Johnson, they parted company on
anything but amicable terms. Jerry was finally free to mold the personnel
according to his image and prove that Jimmy Johnson the Head Coach wasn’t as
necessary or significant as many thought. Partial vindication was won two years
later when the Cowboys won another Super Bowl under Barry Switzer, yet the
popular consensus among football insiders and fans was that the championship was
won with Jimmy’s players.
| 3rd Super Bowl in four years - with Jimmy's players |
The decline then started. The decline continued. The
first decade of the 21st century
saw the Cowboys experience their worst decade in team history. The second decade of
the century has started with less than desirable results for Jerry Jones and his
Cowboys. Though no longer languishing at the back of the NFL pack, they
remain mired in mediocrity, unable to return to the elite status of years
gone by.
| Current Head Coach - Jason Garrett |
The second decade sees Jones seeking consolation for the
long term, this time in the person of Head Coach Jason Garrett. Referring to
Garrett as his “Tom Landry,” Jones seems to have long term plans for the even
handed demeanor and varied abilities of Garrett.
| Jerry Jones' Tom Landry? |
Long term Fans know different, though. The reference to a
team Legend rings hollow, but not for any negative on Garrett’s part. In order
for Jason Garrett to be considered the Tom Landry of his era, he must be free
to have the final say on all coaches and players. Tom Landry never looked over
his shoulder worrying about the next meddlesome move by management or
ownership. In no way did this mean that he was unaccountable, but was free to
be himself as Head Coach.
| The Real Tom Landry |
In the mean time, this mess is Jerry's creation. And it's hard to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment