- Messages
- 5,432
- Reaction score
- 0
Moore: Todd Bowles' trip to Dallas likely to shake up defensive staff
01:00 AM CST on Wednesday, January 5, 2011
COLUMN By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
dmoore@dallasnews.com
IRVING -- Jason Garrett left the Cowboys offices late Tuesday afternoon without the title of head coach and with the knowledge another candidate would fly in for an interview.
Rather than consider this a threat or a perfunctory nod to the NFL's Rooney Rule, it should be viewed as an indication that a shakeup of the defensive staff is in the works.
Garrett's ascension is a given. The Cowboys' legal department was preparing his contract into the night and it should be ready for his signature as early as today.
So why would Miami's Todd Bowles fly into Dallas for an afternoon meeting with owner Jerry Jones? The Dolphins assistant head coach and secondary coach knows Garrett is the inevitable choice. He knows that Jones conducted a three-hour interview with Cowboys wide receivers coach Ray Sherman on Tuesday, satisfying the league's mandate regarding minority candidates.
The Cowboys' interest in Bowles has more to do with the position of defensive coordinator than it does head coach.
There is a precedent for what is likely to unfold. In 2007, the Cowboys received permission from the Dolphins to interview Garrett for their head coaching vacancy, even though it was the club's intention to hire him as offensive coordinator. It appears the same strategy is in place again.
Bowles is cut from the same cloth as Garrett. He is firm and demanding without being confrontational. The 47-year-old Bowles, like Garrett, played in the NFL.
Bowles was part of Bill Parcells' Cowboys staff and coached the secondary from 2005-07. Three different players earned a total of five Pro Bowl berths under his direction. He is liked by the players and respected by the Cowboys' front office.
If the club asks Bowles to resurrect a Cowboys defense that gave up the most points in franchise history, it doesn't mean interim defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni is kicked to the curb.
Garrett revealed earlier this week that it was his decision to elevate Pasqualoni to coordinator for the second half of the season. That move illustrates Garrett's belief that the veteran coach is part of the solution for a defense that allowed a record 436 points, not the problem. Pasqualoni could return to his primary duties as defensive line coach or some other role if Bowles is hired.
Pasqualoni and Bowles worked together for three years in Dallas and two years in Miami. Pasqualoni was the defensive coordinator with the Dolphins and Bowles reported to him. While it appears awkward to reverse that dynamic in Dallas, the two are said to share a good working relationship and mutual respect.
Other changes to the defensive staff loom on the horizon. If Wade Phillips becomes Houston's defensive coordinator, it is believed he will make a run for at least two members of the Cowboys' staff – linebackers coach Reggie Herring and secondary/safeties coach Brett Maxie.
The Cowboys could ask Pasqualoni to coach linebackers, a role he filled for two seasons under Parcells, if they lose Herring. If the club wants to retain Maxie, it may have to increase his responsibilities and redefine the role of secondary coach Dave Campo.
A lot of scenarios are in play. That doesn't even take into account the one interview that was conducted Tuesday.
Jones got the process underway at 10 a.m. when he invited Sherman into his Valley Ranch office. The 59-year-old coach, dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase, emerged shortly after 1 o'clock.
"I had a very good interview," Sherman said before excusing himself to return to work.
Jones said last week that he would exceed the Rooney Rule mandate and interview more than one minority candidate. His interview with Bowles later today will be the second. That doesn't mean Bowles will be the team's next head coach.
It does mean he will be an important member of Jason Garrett's staff moving forward.
• • •
01:00 AM CST on Wednesday, January 5, 2011
COLUMN By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
dmoore@dallasnews.com
IRVING -- Jason Garrett left the Cowboys offices late Tuesday afternoon without the title of head coach and with the knowledge another candidate would fly in for an interview.
Rather than consider this a threat or a perfunctory nod to the NFL's Rooney Rule, it should be viewed as an indication that a shakeup of the defensive staff is in the works.
Garrett's ascension is a given. The Cowboys' legal department was preparing his contract into the night and it should be ready for his signature as early as today.
So why would Miami's Todd Bowles fly into Dallas for an afternoon meeting with owner Jerry Jones? The Dolphins assistant head coach and secondary coach knows Garrett is the inevitable choice. He knows that Jones conducted a three-hour interview with Cowboys wide receivers coach Ray Sherman on Tuesday, satisfying the league's mandate regarding minority candidates.
The Cowboys' interest in Bowles has more to do with the position of defensive coordinator than it does head coach.
There is a precedent for what is likely to unfold. In 2007, the Cowboys received permission from the Dolphins to interview Garrett for their head coaching vacancy, even though it was the club's intention to hire him as offensive coordinator. It appears the same strategy is in place again.
Bowles is cut from the same cloth as Garrett. He is firm and demanding without being confrontational. The 47-year-old Bowles, like Garrett, played in the NFL.
Bowles was part of Bill Parcells' Cowboys staff and coached the secondary from 2005-07. Three different players earned a total of five Pro Bowl berths under his direction. He is liked by the players and respected by the Cowboys' front office.
If the club asks Bowles to resurrect a Cowboys defense that gave up the most points in franchise history, it doesn't mean interim defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni is kicked to the curb.
Garrett revealed earlier this week that it was his decision to elevate Pasqualoni to coordinator for the second half of the season. That move illustrates Garrett's belief that the veteran coach is part of the solution for a defense that allowed a record 436 points, not the problem. Pasqualoni could return to his primary duties as defensive line coach or some other role if Bowles is hired.
Pasqualoni and Bowles worked together for three years in Dallas and two years in Miami. Pasqualoni was the defensive coordinator with the Dolphins and Bowles reported to him. While it appears awkward to reverse that dynamic in Dallas, the two are said to share a good working relationship and mutual respect.
Other changes to the defensive staff loom on the horizon. If Wade Phillips becomes Houston's defensive coordinator, it is believed he will make a run for at least two members of the Cowboys' staff – linebackers coach Reggie Herring and secondary/safeties coach Brett Maxie.
The Cowboys could ask Pasqualoni to coach linebackers, a role he filled for two seasons under Parcells, if they lose Herring. If the club wants to retain Maxie, it may have to increase his responsibilities and redefine the role of secondary coach Dave Campo.
A lot of scenarios are in play. That doesn't even take into account the one interview that was conducted Tuesday.
Jones got the process underway at 10 a.m. when he invited Sherman into his Valley Ranch office. The 59-year-old coach, dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase, emerged shortly after 1 o'clock.
"I had a very good interview," Sherman said before excusing himself to return to work.
Jones said last week that he would exceed the Rooney Rule mandate and interview more than one minority candidate. His interview with Bowles later today will be the second. That doesn't mean Bowles will be the team's next head coach.
It does mean he will be an important member of Jason Garrett's staff moving forward.
• • •
