Phillips takes defensive coordinator duties for Dallas Cowboys
By BRIAN DAVIS / The Dallas Morning News
brdavis@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – There is no more ambiguity over just who runs the Cowboys' defense. Wade Phillips will be the head coach and defensive coordinator in 2009, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday.
The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Brian Stewart after the season, creating a perception that Stewart was responsible for the team's defensive shortcomings.
In reality, the Cowboys have been running Phillips' 3-4 defensive scheme for the last two seasons. Stewart held the coordinator title, but Phillips has always been the defensive architect.
Phillips took some play-calling duties away from Stewart in November and December. Once that happened, the defense became more aggressive. The Cowboys finished with a league-high 59 sacks but were eighth in yards allowed per game (294.3).
Jones OK with chemistry: Jones said he is not worried about locker room chemistry, even though some players have indicated that was a big issue last year.
"They are a figment of the result," Jones said of chemistry concerns. "You didn't hear about those kinds of things when we were winning. You hear about those kinds of things when you're losing. ...
"If y'all [the media] knew more about some of the things you write about, you wouldn't be as concerned."
Reeves rift revisited: Phillips said he wanted Dan Reeves to join the Cowboys as a consultant. But Reeves lasted just two days before leaving Valley Ranch after he disagreed over language Jones inserted into the contract.
Jones wanted a clause that stipulated how many hours Reeves would work. Reeves said he'd never had that type of clause in any coaching contract and added, "Nobody punches a clock."
"I think a lot of him and really respect him," Jones said. "But it doesn't surprise me ... It became apparent to me that we just weren't on the same page."
Discipline for Spencer? Jones said outside linebacker Anthony Spencer will be disciplined following his arrest on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct in mid-January. He said the team will wait to see what the NFL does since Spencer violated the league's personal conduct policy.
The final word: Jones made it clear he understands Cowboys fans are upset about the team's disappointing finish.
"I would say to our fans that are there, I'm as disappointed and as resolved that you could ever imagine to do the best job of putting our team on the field," Jones said. "Winning will make people happy."
brdavis@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – There is no more ambiguity over just who runs the Cowboys' defense. Wade Phillips will be the head coach and defensive coordinator in 2009, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday.
The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Brian Stewart after the season, creating a perception that Stewart was responsible for the team's defensive shortcomings.
In reality, the Cowboys have been running Phillips' 3-4 defensive scheme for the last two seasons. Stewart held the coordinator title, but Phillips has always been the defensive architect.
Phillips took some play-calling duties away from Stewart in November and December. Once that happened, the defense became more aggressive. The Cowboys finished with a league-high 59 sacks but were eighth in yards allowed per game (294.3).
Jones OK with chemistry: Jones said he is not worried about locker room chemistry, even though some players have indicated that was a big issue last year.
"They are a figment of the result," Jones said of chemistry concerns. "You didn't hear about those kinds of things when we were winning. You hear about those kinds of things when you're losing. ...
"If y'all [the media] knew more about some of the things you write about, you wouldn't be as concerned."
Reeves rift revisited: Phillips said he wanted Dan Reeves to join the Cowboys as a consultant. But Reeves lasted just two days before leaving Valley Ranch after he disagreed over language Jones inserted into the contract.
Jones wanted a clause that stipulated how many hours Reeves would work. Reeves said he'd never had that type of clause in any coaching contract and added, "Nobody punches a clock."
"I think a lot of him and really respect him," Jones said. "But it doesn't surprise me ... It became apparent to me that we just weren't on the same page."
Discipline for Spencer? Jones said outside linebacker Anthony Spencer will be disciplined following his arrest on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct in mid-January. He said the team will wait to see what the NFL does since Spencer violated the league's personal conduct policy.
The final word: Jones made it clear he understands Cowboys fans are upset about the team's disappointing finish.
"I would say to our fans that are there, I'm as disappointed and as resolved that you could ever imagine to do the best job of putting our team on the field," Jones said. "Winning will make people happy."
posted by The Gryphon at 9:40 PM
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