This is nothing but speculation on my part because of the fact we will never know. But first, some facts about the man.
According to Wikipedia, he is currently the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, and was hired in Jan 08.
In 1985, he started out with the Broncos as a defensive assistant and special teams coach. The Broncos made 3 SB appearances during his 6 years there. In 1991 he left to become the head coach of the Birmingham Fire of the World League of American Football where the team made the playoffs in both years he was there. After a one year run at Samford University, he was hired by the Steelers in 1994, where he started off as a receivers coach, then moved up to OC during 1996 and 97.They won four consecutive AFC Central titles and played in one SB (XXX). While as the OC, the Steelers ranked 6th in total offense and 7th in scoring.
In 1998 he was hired by one Jerry Jones to replace Barry Switzer. The 'Boys won the NFC East in 1998 and made the playoffs during his TWO years at the helm. I thought it was 3, but memory fails me occasionally. TWO YEARS! The 'Boys failed to win a playoff game those TWO years, but what do you expect after Switzer? The Cowboys were a mess. How he got them to win the NFC East his first year is nothing short of miraculous. They won the division with a 10-6 record, and the Giants, Eagles, Redskins, and Cardinals must have really sucked canal water back then. The next year, at 8-8, they made the playoffs again, but again with Switzer's crap. All of Johnson's people had been abandoning ship for 3 years, so what did he have left? Whatever Switzer (and Jerry) had brought in.
Then, he was with the Dolphins from 2000-01 when they posted consecutive 11-5 records
He had TWO years to rectify what Switzer had disassembled. No one man can do that, not in that time frame, but yet he did manage to get to the playoffs anyway.
What if he had 3 years? Or 4 years? Or God forbid a coach stay for 5 years anymore. I have a feeling these Cowboys would have traveled a very different road than they have been, for the fact they had a coach who knew how to coach, and was fired after TWO years because of the sorry players he inherited and just making the playoffs wasn't enough.
I think it was Lambertlunatic who said in another blog about "instant gratification" and Jerry Jones not having enough patience. I couldn't agree more, when I think about what Chan Gailey could have done for this team if he had only been given the time and a chance.
Jerry Jones is a billionaire for a reason......he's good at sales, business, and likely several other things. But, for hanging on to good coaches and other things I won't mention...........well, you catch my drift. I can only wonder.
What if?
..........................Comments?
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My error.
lambertlunatic mentioned the patience, and perfect360 mentioned the instant gratification on the other blog that I mentioned.
I give credit where credit is due. They somewhat contributed to this, without knowing it. Memory again. Thanks guys.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
Agree, two years isn't enough. This isn't just a JJ thing. It seems many owners have an itchy trigger finger when it comes to coaches and QBs, especially. They hire (or draft, in the case of QBs), and then 2-3 years later, if they haven't made a deep run in the playoffs, they cut ties. Let's not forget, in most cases, a new coach brings in new coordinators and even position coaches with them. For a coach, it takes a year or two for players to adjust to a new style, new offensive and defensive schemes, etc. It also takes time to get the right player personnel to align with new offensive and defensive schemes if there's been a drastic change (i.e. 4-3 to a 3-4, pass happy to grind it out).
For QBs, they want every young QB to be the next Brady or Manning, that had instant success. They allow players at other positions time to develop, but don't do the same with QBs. Look at all the noise with teams with young QBs this offseason. Cutler, Quinn/Anderson, Campbell. Quinn has barely played yet, and they're already rumored to be shopping him. Just a year or so ago, the Skins were high on Campbell, now they've talked to Leftwich, been looking at trades for Cutler, Quinn, move up for Sanchez, etc.
Give these guys a chance and stop the revolving door approach. "Newbies" at these positions need time to develop, and they don't need the added pressure of looking over their shoulder at every little failure.
perfect360
Pittsburgh , PA
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Oh I know it's not just Jerry Jones, but he gets the most attention and scrutiny. I can't remember who Gailey brought in with him, or even if he changed personnel from Switzer. but the fact remains he did bring the 'Boys to the playoffs both years.
What I was suggesting is that if Jones would have retained Gailey, how different it might have been for this team. They may have won some playoff games, or even a SB. They may have very well been in the playoffs most, if not all of the years wasted since the last SB. As it is now, they have not been very successful in making the playoffs, much less winning any playoff games, but they very well could have, had Jones been patient and let Gailey do his job.
Of course, this is pure speculation on my part, because Gailey very well could have floundered as well, and no one will ever know because he wasn't given a chance.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
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If Chan had stayed, you are right because Campo led them right into the toilet.
Instead, I would like to think that I am glad we suffered the years we did because JJ got Bill Parcells and he single handedly turned this franchise around.
I support JJ fully in his endeavors as an owner but man, to think if JJ let Bill just GM this team like he is doing down in Miami...whew..
JeffHart24
Pompano Beach , FL
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If Chan had stayed longer, another 2 or 3 years, Dave Campo likely never would have been hired as the HC. That in turn would have changed history, and just as likely Bill Parcells would never have been needed to turn things around, if Chan had made the team a contender. Things would have been quite different in the way they played out.
All I'm really saying is Jerry Jones needs to be patient when he hires a coach with the credentials that Gailey has. Give him time to do what needs to be done. Maybe Wade can do it, if given enough time, but that's questionable.
Yes, if JJ would have allowed Parcells to "buy the groceries" we would never had T.O., Tank Johnson, or Pac Man either. Not that we really needed them, but maybe Parcells could have straightened Pac Man out, but that's a big "if", and we all know that "if" is the biggest 2 letter word in the world.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
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Those offenses weren't very effective, and Aikman didn't like the system, and 8-8 was a disappointment. I think they started that season at 6-2 or something like that, and they were 0-8 against teams not in the NFC east or something quite ridiculous like that.
I wouldn't sugar coat Chan Gailey's time there. I will acknowledge that the talent cupboard was bare or getting there, and it wasn't improving at all with the subsequent drafts, and giving the Cowboys of the early 90's, they may have been much better, but again, I don't think Chan's stint with the Cowboys is worth remembering fondly.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
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No, I'm not taking up for the man, or making him something he's not. But, 2 years? He hardly had time to turn around good.
Maybe he would have been worse than Campo, but we'll never know for sure, because 2 years just isn't enough time. Campo did get 3 years.
I got his information from Wikipedia. It's all there.
The whole idea behind this blog was to wonder if anything could have or would have been different if Gailey had another year or two. Another year, and JJ may have hired someone other than Campo, too.
However, it matters not, either way, in the grand scheme of things. Appreciate all the input.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
I agree that only 2 years isn't enough time, but when it's just not working, you can tell. Like when Campo went for the extra point when the OBVIOUS decision was to go for 2. I think that was against the broncos. You can tell when a coach is over their head, because they can't manage the clock, there is no discipline, and the team isn't progressing at all or in any phase.
I would say that Wade does not fit the above description, entirely, but I certainly would hope he would be a little more fire and brimstone to him.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
Total Comments (1295)
Same with Switzer when he elected to go for the first down on fourth down, not once, but twice, in one of the games against the Eagles. Failed both times. What a moron.
I agree with you, tho. If Wade does get fired, I would hope he'd stay on as the DC, but that's highly unlikely. I was surprised that Dave Campo came back. If people's egos wouldn't get in the way, and realize what their limitations are, they could be successful in that capacity. Campo knows he's not HC material and accepted that. I commend him for that, and respect him more for doing just that when he didn't have to. I wonder if Wade will do the same if push comes to shove? It's bound to happen.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
Gunther Cunningham went back to the Chiefs. I think Jim Fossil would consider going back to the Giants. Parcells was in talks of going back to the Jets/Giants as a GM, so it doesn't surprise me that much. As for the Switzer 4th down decision, it was his decision to go for it, and the Offensive Coordintor called the play, and then the OC called the same play again. The play was load left. I don't blame Switzer so much for that, but I DO BLAME HIM FOR BEING STUPID AND TRYING TO TAKE A GUN ON A PLANE! He also had an incredibly lax attitude which allowed people to become undisciplined and there was a lack of focus on winning and getting better.
In '95/'96, the Cowboys would have had to play a first round game if the Niners won in the last week of the season. The niners lost and the Cowboys had homefield through the playoffs. That was the spark that led them to have confidence to get to the super bowl (according to interviews).
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
Total Comments (1295)
hey, bull.
this an interesting blog. i can agree with some points like chan not really getting the shot he deserved in dallas thanks to jerry's impatience. but when he was with the steelers as the oc my friends and family questioned his calls quite abit. no i can't remember a specific time or game just that it seemed he made some real bad play calling while he there and we were glad to see him go. i always felt like he was a good position coach but not a head coach or oc. but that is just my opinion. sorry i came late to this one but that what happens when the fishing is good. lol.
lambertlunatic
Total Comments (59)
There haven't been that many great head coaches. There have been a ton of competent ones.
Look at the recent Super Bowl coaches, how many would you say are great.
Ken Wisenhunt to early to tell
Mike Tomlin to early to tell
Tom Coughlin occ the team goes into the toilet at the end of the season, there was a revolt by the players, and he was one loss in mid-season from getting fired the year they won the SB.
Bill Belicheck Undeniably great coach. Cheater maybe, but we all want a head coach looking for that edge against the competition.
Tony Dungy - Very good head coach, done at two locations, but so many first round exits.
Lovie Smith - Good enough, competant.
Bill Cowher - Did well over prolonged period with one team and many QB's, but had to beat head against wall in AFC championship game so many times before breaking through, and penalties as much decided that game as coaching.
Mike Holmgren - Good at 2 locations, 3 SB appearances, probably justified to be considered great
Andy Reid- Good enough, competant.
John Fox- Good enough, competant.
John Gruden- Good enough, competant.
Mike Martz - too risk oriented, didn't make enough changes against Pats in SB.
Jim Fossil- Good enough, competant.
Brian Billick - offensive genius who won based on great defense... not great.
I think the point is that coaching can only take you so far, and much like truly good QB's, there are only so many truly good coaches.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
Total Comments (1295)
you have a very valid point. one thing is for sure there has not been one coach that could truly be called great. there has not been any true great ones since vince lombardi,tom landry,chuck noll,and that guy from miami.
lambertlunatic
Total Comments (59)
Well, it's been 10 years since he was let go, and with me being being somewhat "feeble minded", some details I don't remember. Seems like I questioned some plays myself, but cannot pinpoint any. So, I went by information I found on Wikipedia, and that don't tell the whole story.
That was one point I wanted to find out, whether anyone knew for sure if he had it in him to build a contender. I haven't really kept up with him since he left, but I got to speculating about "What if...", thus the blog subject.
So, you went from fighting fires to fishing? Pray tell, where's the fish? I'm ready to go myself.............*grins*....
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
Interesting. You should do a blog on that and see what kind of input you'd get. List all current and "laid off" coaches and see what opinions you gather. I wouldn't mention Rich Kotite tho. Eagle fans would likely go on a warpath.............lol.........and/or maybe even "Who is the worst NFL Coach to ever coach a team"?
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
I think Campo would get a few votes, but there would definitely be other winners to that game. Poor Cam Cameron would get a few votes too. He's a good number 2, but couldn't motivate and lead.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
Total Comments (1295)
Don Shula. Ol Square Jaws himself. His sons sucked at coaching tho.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
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We had David Shula in Dallas for awhile.....He sucked canal water. I think his brother, Mike, coached the Bengals. He sucked sewer water, but then no one can coach Cincinnati, or Cleveland. Not since Paul Brown was alive anyway.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
For sure, Campo. Cam Cameron didn't get a chance to get his feet wet tho. But, I wasn't following him too close anyway.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (3595)
Also, in the 98 and 99 drafts, Dallas picked the following players.
1998
Greg Ellis
Flozell Adams
Mike Myers
Darren Hambrick
Matt Miller
Izell Reese
Tarik Smith
Antonia Fleming
Roderick Monroe
1999
1 20 Ebenezer Ekuban DE North Carolina
2 55 Solomon Page OT West Virginia
3 85 Dat Nguyen ILB Texas A&M
4 118 Wane Mcgarity WR Texas
4 132 Peppi Zellner DE Fort Valley St.
6 193 Martay Jenkins WR
7 229 Mike Lucky TE Arizona
7 243 Kelvin Garmon OG Baylor
So 3 good players out of the bunch. I'm not gonna say that it was either all Jerry's or all Chan's fault about some of those players, but it certainly wasn't what we would call a haul or talent.
So if he was given another year or two, and a similar crop of talent was brought in, I doubt Chan would have fared any better than Campo did.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA
Total Comments (1295)
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