How 'Bout Them Cowboys

Schedules and Results

Dallas Cowboys officially back on 'Hard Knocks' NFL Films President Steve Sabol at press conference 05/07/06 BY RAY BUCK rbuck@star-telegram.com IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys will be the subject of HBO’s popular training-camp reality show Hard Knocks this summer, the team announced. “It [Dallas] was our No. 1 choice,” said Steve Sabol of NFL Films, who attended the news conference. “Plus, they’re a Super Bowl contender.” The show, which will have hour-long episodes, will be shown Aug. 6 through Sept. 3. The Cowboys will be making their second appearance on the show. Hard Knocks launched with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, followed by the Cowboys in 2002. The series resumed in 2007 with the Kansas City Chiefs and a return to the NFC was in the cards for 2008. Dallas finished 5-11 in 2002 in Dave Campo's last season as head coach. The Cowboys will be training in Oxnard, Calif., beginning in late July. http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/628793.html

Dallas Cowboys 2008 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents 05/02/06 The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with the following free agents: WR - Danny Amendola - Texas Tech TE - Drew Atchison - William & Mary WR - Mark Bradford - Stanford T - Andrew Brecher-  Harvard FB  - Julius Crosslin - Oklahoma State S - Dowayne Davis - Syracuse DE - Marcus Dixon - Hampton T - Brandon Hale Sam - Houston State LB - Alain Karatepeyan - Tulsa RB - Keon Lattimore - Maryland P - Jay Ottovegio - Stanford WR - Daniel Polk - Midwestern State DE - Darrell Robertson - Georgia Tech WR - Joe West - UTEP Source:  www.ktbb.com

Dallas Cowboys 1st Round Pic Felix Jones Draft Party Source:  www.newson6.com

Dallas Cowboys 2008 Draft Picks April 27, 2008 The Cowboys bolstered their roster by turning two weaknesses into strengths.  Thin at running back and cornerback, they drafted two top 100 players at both positions.  Felix Jones and Tashard Choice will team up with Marion Barber for a formidable one-two-three punch in the backfield.  Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will offer similar depth to the corner position, joining Terrence Newman, Anthony Henry and the recently acquired Adams "Pacman" Jones. The Cowboys also helped themselves by replacing TE Anthony Fasano and LB Akin Ayodele (both traded to Miami for a fourth rounder) with Martellus Bennett and Erik Walden, respectively.  Bennett is an athletic blocker and big goal line target taken in the second round.  Erik Walden, a hybrid DE/OLB out of Middle Tennessee State, was drafted in the sixth round with Dallas's last pick.  Click on the thumbnails below for pics of the Class of 2008. Felix Jones Running Back Arkansas 1st Rd (22nd) Mike Jenkins Cornerback South Florida 1st Rd (25th) Martellus Bennett Tight End Texas A & M 2nd Rd (61st) Tashard Choice Running Back Georgia Tech 4th Rd (122nd) Orlando Scandrick Cornerback Boise State 5th Rd (143rd) Erik Walden Outside Linebacker Middle Tennessee St. 6th Rd (167th)

Cowboys Acquire Adam "Pacman" Jones Pacman Jones picked up for a 4th rounder April 23, 2008 The Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans have agreed in principle on a trade for suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Dallas will send its fourth-round pick in Saturday's draft to the Titans for Jones. There are also conditions attached to the trade related to Jones being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and how much he plays for the Cowboys. If he plays a significant amount of time in 2008, the Titans will get an additional pick from the Cowboys in 2009. If he doesn't get reinstated by the NFL, the Titans will send an undisclosed 2009 draft pick back to the Cowboys. Also, Pacman has reached a financial settlement with the Titans regarding his contract situation. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Jones must pay $500,000 to a charity chosen by the Titans sometime in the next two years. He will receive a new contract from the Cowboys. Source:  ESPN NFL reporters Ed Werder and Chris Mortensen contributed to this report.

Offseason News and Notes Todd Grantham is the Cowboys new defensive line coach March 2008 Coaching Changes:  After former Cowboys head coach and current Miami Dolphins head of football operations Bill Parcells raided the Dallas coaching staff of Tony Sporano, Todd Bowles, Kacy Rodgers, Paul Pasqualoni and even head scout Jeff Ireland, the Cowboys front office went to work to replace the departed.  Here's a breakdown of who they've added: Todd Grantham - Defensive Line Dave Campo - Defensive Backs (Welcome Back) Hudson Houck - Offensive Line (Welcome Back) Reggie Herring - Linbackers Brett Maxie - Defensive Backs Assistant              Brett Maxie Free Agency:  Dallas has lost RB Julius Jones (Seattle), CB Jacques Reeves (Houston) and special teams ace Keith Davis (Miami) to free agency.  Nothing major here as each of them is replaceable. Re-signed:  Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams will probably finish his career as a Dallas Cowboy after inking  a six-year, $43.8 million deal which included a $13 million signing bonus to protect Tony Romo's blindside. Franchised:  Pro Bowl free safety Ken Hamlin was designated as the team's franchise player, guaranteeing him a one-year tender of $4.396 million.  Any team that signs Hamlin will owe the Cowboys two first round draft picks.  If Hamlin plays for Dallas in 2008, he will once again be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Tendered:  The club sent one-year tenders to three restricted free agents, including running back Marion Barber, who received the highest tender available.  Barber is free to negotiate with other clubs and can sign an offer sheet. The Cowboys then would have seven days to match the deal and if they chose to pass, they would receive a first- and third-round draft pick in return. The club also gave defensive end Chris Canty a tender of $2.017 million. The Cowboys would get a first-round draft pick if he signs with another team and they chose not to match.  Signed:  Dallas added Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas (formerly of Miami) to a four-year deal worth nearly $19 million. However,  Thomas can easily void the deal down to just one year. With a $1 million base and a $1 million signing bonus, Thomas will now count $1.25 million on this year's salary cap. If the contract is voided down to one season, Thomas will also likely earn another $1 million in incentives. Traded:  Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson, a known "Parcells Guy" was traded to the Dolphins for a future 6th round pick.  Fergie missed 15 games last season, allowing the Cowboys to evaluate Jay Ratliff and Tank Johnson in the middle of  Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense.  Apparently they liked what they saw from both of these younger alternatives. Training Camp Move:  California here they come again.  The Dallas Cowboys will return to Oxnard, California for their 2008 training camp.   And they will return to their old stomping grounds at the River Ridge sports complex adjacent to the Residence Inn in Oxnard, where they previously held training camp for three years (2004-06). Sources:  Various including dallascowboys.comraft tender to guard Joe Berger, worth $927,000. But they chose not to tender running baon Thompson, which likely ends his three-year stintth the club.

Cowboys Break League Record With 13 Pro Bowlers Four of the Cowboys 13 Pro Bowl seclections December 2007 Forget the standings. The real star power of the Dallas Cowboys was revealed in the list of Pro Bowl selections. Sure, Terrell Owens made the cut Tuesday, as did  Tony Romo. Reliable tight end Jason Witten — remember his long gain without a helmet earlier this season? — and hulking left tackle Flozell Adams were picked, too. But, get this: Dallas had 13 honorees, matching the franchise record set back in the days when Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith already had won a Super Bowl. One of Dallas' picks isn't even a starter. And don't be surprised if at least one more member of "America's Team" makes it to Honolulu for the Feb. 10 game. Actually, a few more could go as four players were told they are first alternates. Here is a complete list of the Cowboys' 2008 Pro Bowl selections: (** denotes starter) ** Terrell Owens, WR (sixth selection) ** Flozell Adams, T (fourth selection) ** Jason Witten, TE (fourth selection) ** DeMarcus Ware, LB (second selection) ** Andre Gurode, C (second selection) ** Leonard Davis, G (first selection) ** Nick Folk, K (first selection) Tony Romo, QB (second selection) Marion Barber, RB (first selection) Ken Hamlin, S (first selection) Terence Newman, CB (first selection) Roy Williams, S (fifth selection) Greg Ellis, LB (first selection) Source:  International Herald Tribune

Roy Williams Suspended One Game for Third Horse Collar Infraction Roy returns an INT for a TD in 2005 December 19, 2007 The Dallas Cowboys will be without safety Roy Williams on Saturday night in Carolina due to a one-game suspension for his third horse collar infraction of the 2007 season.  Roy was flagged for committing the foul against Eagles QB Donovan McNabb in Sunday's loss at Texas Stadium.  After his second horse collar earlier this season, Williams received a warning from the NFL that he could face a possible suspension if he repeated the offense again this season.   The NFL denied an appeal by Williams today, so the suspension stands.  The loss of the hard-hitting safety is compounded by the ankle injury suffered by backup free safety Patrick Watkins in Sunday's game, which will cause him to also miss the Carolina matchup.  Backup safeties Keith Davis and rookie Courtney Brown will replace Williams and Watkins on Saturday night.

Cowboys Team Chaplain John Weber Passes Away Team Chaplain John Weber November 8, 2007 Dallas Cowboys team chaplain John Weber passed away last week (11/01/07) after suffering a heart attack. Weber, who has performed team chapels and Bible studies for the Cowboys for more than 20 years, was revered by so many players, coaches and staff members - past and present. So undoubtedly, there was a huge void missing on the road trip to Philadelphia, where Weber was scheduled to attend as always. "My mind was on John a lot tonight," said LB Greg Ellis, who took it upon himself to award a game ball in honor of Weber immediately following the game. "I can admit that. But I'm glad it didn't distract me and cause me to hurt the team. But my mind was with him." Without Weber, the Cowboys players decided to hold their own team chapel before the game. Ellis orchestrated the gathering, leading off with a team prayer. Several players, including Jason Witten and Tony Romo, were in attendance, along with coaches and staff members. Each person in the room was asked to share their memories of Weber, 59. Weber was a key speaker at the memorial service for Cowboys unofficial mascot Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones last spring. Source:  dallascowboys.com

Cowboys Sign Tony Romo to Six Year Deal The Cowboys' $67.5 Million Man October 29, 2007 The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a contract extension with quarterback Tony Romo, three sources said. A source close to Romo confirmed that the deal was for six years and $67.5 million, with $30 million guaranteed and including an $11.5 million signing bonus. Romo's contract was set to expire at the end of the season. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones had said repeatedly that he was committed to Romo as the Cowboys' franchise quarterback but wanted more time to evaluate him before agreeing to a deal. Romo, 27, responded by passing for 1,984 yards and 16 touchdowns during the Cowboys' 6-1 start, ranking second in the NFL behind New England's Tom Brady in both categories. Romo would not confirm a deal was done but ackowledged the sides started talking in earnest last week. "It's definitely closer than it was" Romo said during a radio appearance Monday night. "It's neat the organization is behind you. That makes it fun." Source:  dallasmorningnews.com

Forbes: Cowboys Most Valuable Franchise in the World Cowboys now worth $1.5 billion Sept 2007 The greatest owner in the history of the modern NFL is about to paint his masterpiece. Jerry Jones, who created the blue print for stadium economics after buying the Cowboys in 1989, is going to move into a new stadium in 2009 (the City of Arlington will own the stadium but the team will control the lease). With 80,000 seats and about 200 luxury suites (some of which will lease for more than $350,000 a season), the team's operating income could top $100 million. Not bad for a wildcatter who paid $140 million for a money losing team and stadium lease when oil was $10 a barrel and now owns the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Major corporate sponsors are Miller Brewing, Ford Motor (nyse: F), Verizon Wireless, Cadbury Schweppes' Dr. Pepper (nyse: CSG), PepsiCo (nyse: PEP), Bank of America (nyse: BAC). Source:  forbes.com

Cowboys Sign DT Tank Johnson Sept 18, 2007 Tank Johnson is a Cowboy. According to his agent, Jerrold Colton, the Cowboys signed the suspended defensive tackle to a two-year deal Tuesday – although they might have to wait until Nov. 11 at the earliest before he's in uniform. Johnson has at most six games left on an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy even though he has been unsigned. At the time, commissioner Roger Goodell announced Johnson's suspension, he left open the possibility of reducing it to six games, although Johnson would have to apply for early reinstatement. The chances of Johnson's suspension being reduced to six games could have taken a hit when he was pulled over by Gilbert, Ariz., police for driving while impaired in June, although the charges were eventually dropped. The Bears released Johnson three days after the incident. If Goodell upholds the eight-game suspension, then the earliest he could play would be Nov. 11 at the New York Giants. If the suspension is reduced to six games, he could debut Oct. 21 at Texas Stadium against Minnesota. "I'm real excited, man, I can move forward," Johnson said Tuesday. "It's a process I knew was going to take some time, but I'm excited to reach this point." The Cowboys released cornerback Nate Jones on Tuesday to make room for Johnson on the active roster. Even though Johnson is suspended, the Cowboys had to put him on the 53-man roster for a day per league rules. Johnson will revert to the team's suspended list on Wednesday and Jones could return to the team should he clear waivers. Source:  dallasnews.com

QB Coach Wade Wilson Suspended 5 Games Sept 1, 2007 Dallas quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson was suspended for five games by the NFL on Saturday for buying and using performance-enhancing substances. Wilson, a 48-year-old former NFL quarterback, also was fined $100,000. He said he took the drugs to try to "improve the quality of my life" after living with diabetes for more than 20 years. He acknowledged he acted without "proper medical supervision." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wilson would return to his job after his suspension ends Oct. 9. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said both Wilson's suspension and the suspension Friday of New England safety Rodney Harrison stemmed from the investigation by the Albany (N.Y.) district attorney's office. Authorities there have been looking into an Internet ring involving performance-enhancing drugs and allegedly involving athletes from a number of sports. ESPN reported the substance was human growth hormone. Wilson said in a statement issued by the Cowboys that the "situation is the result of an uninformed decision that I made." "I accept responsibility for my mistake," he said. "Clearly, as a coach and former player, I had no intention of trying to circumvent the boundaries of competition or fair play. I now realize that this is something I should not have done. I acted without proper medical supervision and I would urge others not to make a similar mistake." Jones said Wade , who played in the NFL from 1981-99, mostly with Minnesota , had "absolutely no intention of breaking any league rules." "He has a long track record of quality service to the NFL and community service to the cities where has played and coached," Jones said. "We recognize and support the importance placed on these matters by the National Football League. We also support Wade Wilson during this time and look forward to his contributions to the future of the Dallas Cowboys." Source:  philly.com

Michael Irvin Inducted Into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Michael Irvin and Jerry Jones unveil the Irvin bust August 4, 2007 "Look up, get up, and don't ever give up."  Those were the emotional words that Michael Irvin uttered to his two sons (and thus everyone else in attendance) to end his moving induction speech into Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Jerry Jones whipped the crowd into a frenzy as Irvin's presenter, uttering that #88 is a husband, a father, a son, a brother "and he's a Dallas Cowboy."  Several Cowboys faithful were in attendance along with former players from the nineties including, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, Jay Novacek, Daryl Johnston, Ron Stone, Nate Newton, Larry Allen, Deion Sanders and Jim Jeffcoat, along with Irvin's position coach Hubbard Alexander. Irvin didn't shy away from his troubled past, publicly apologizing to his lovely wife Sandy and making it clear that he has turned his life over to the Lord.  The charismatic leader of The Team of the '90s ended his 25 minute speech with tears rolling down his face.  He wasn't the only crying Saturday night. For the full transcript of Irvin's Hall of Fame speech along with those of Troy Aikman (2006)  and Rayfield Wright (2006), click on the link below. Hall of Fame Speech Transcripts

2007 Training Camp Kickoff Celebration San Antonio welcomes Cowboys back in style 07/25/2007 Note:  The player identified as DeMarcus Ware is really Marcus Spears. Source:  KENS 5 - San Antonio

North Texas Wins Bid for Super Bowl XLV in 2011 The new Dallas Stadium will house up to 100,000 spectators 05/22/2007 NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The decision is in, North Texas wins. The NFL's 32 owners decided here on Tuesday (05/22/07)  to play Super Bowl XLV at the Cowboys' new stadium being built in Arlington, Texas, a historical decision that will bring the 2011 title game to North Texas for the very first time. The North Texas presentation at the NFL owners meetings, along with the extensive proposal submitted to the NFL by Monday's 9 p.m. deadline, were able to defeat the bids made by Indianapolis and Arizona. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, along with North Texas Super Bowl Bid Committee chairman Roger Staubach, were ecstatic with the announcement after working diligently for the past six to eight months structuring a bid that not only would meet the NFL's requirements, but also entice the league to brings its premier game to the area by exceeding those expectations. "This is going to be a wonderful event," Jones said in a press conference just minutes after the decision. "Thank goodness we're in one of the greatest communities in the world. It's a privilege to be a part of the NFL and to have our main event, where our champions are crowned, to have it here in North Texas. It's the best we can do in the NFL, we think one of the best things in sports, and certainly we're committed to do everything we can do to make it the best Super Bowl there has ever been." Source:  dallascowboys.com

Dallas Cowboys 2007 Draft Class Dallas wheels and deals to acquire Cleveland's #1 pick in the 2008 draft 04/29/2007 New head coach Wade Phillips got his kind of guy in the first round when the Cowboys wheeled and dealed as only they can to pick up the Cleveland Browns' 1st round pick in 2008 (which could be a pretty high pick) and Cleveland's #2 this year, which they used to move back into the first to draft DE/OLB tweener Anthony Spencer of Purdue.  Spencer is expected to complement DeMarcus Ware as a pass rusher from the opposite side.  This pick also gives the team flexibility in using Greg Ellis as either a DE or OLB, if he recovers fully from his achilles injury.  After trading out of the 2nd round for Spencer, the Cowboys used their remaining picks to grab 2 offensive tackles, 2 cornerbacks, a true fullback, a strong-legged kicker and a WR/KR/QB with blazing speed and a strong arm.  See the chart below for the Cowboys 2007 selections.  Anthony Spencer Linebacker Purdue 6-2, 261 1st Round (26th) James Marten Off. Tackle Boston College 6-7, 309 3rd Round (67th) Isaiah Stanback Wide Receiver Washington 6-2, 216 4th Round (103rd) Doug Free Offensive Tackle Northern Illinois 6-6, 324 4th Round (122th) Nick Folk Kicker Arizona 6-1, 225 6th Round (178th) Deon Anderson Fullback Connecticut 5-10, 243 6th Round (195th) Courtney Brown Cornerback Cal Poly 6-1, 205 7th Round (212th) Alan Ball Cornerback Illinois 6-1, 176 7th Round (237th)

News and Notes from a Busy Offseason Safety Ken Hamlin with Wade Phillips (left) and Jerry Jones 04/06/2007 A lot has been happening at Valley Ranch this offseason.   The Cowboys signed free agent Ken Hamlin to play free safety and take a leadership role on Wade Phillips' defense.  Hamlin, known for his hard hitting and coverage skills, should be a nice complement to strong safety Roy Williams. The team decided to give Terry Glenn a $5 million bonus that guarantees the sure-handed, underrated wideout will continue to stretch the field, but this time under Jason Garrett's new "Red Ball" offense. Speaking of receivers, the Cowboys signed Patrick Crayton to a one-year tender offer, assuring Boyz fans that the reliable third receiver will continue to be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses as they try to decide who to stop in the passing game.  If they focus too hard on T.O., Jason Witten, and the aforementioned Glenn, Crayton will be there to tear them apart.  Crayton is considered to have the best hands of any Dallas receiver and he improves with each season. Placekicker Martin Gramatica Placekicker Martin "Automatica" Gramatica was signed to a 2-year deal after his convincing performance in the latter part of the season.  Grammy showed pretty good range and accuracy, including the clutch kick to beat the Giants at New York in early December. The Cowboys also rewarded center Andre Gurode and right guard Marc Colombo for their solid performances in 2006 by re-signing both of them to continue protecting QB Tony Romo who will no longer hold on field goals, a job normally filled by second string quarterbacks. QB Brad Johnson Speaking of second string QBs, the Boyz released Drew Bledsoe and signed veteran and Super Bowl champion Brad Johnson to a 3-year deal to provide insurance behind Romo.  Johnson knows his expected role, but would love to start (just like any QB worth his salt). The Cowboys have a new deal with Ford Motor Company, giving the auto giant naming rights to the team's training camp.  The 2007 summer camp in San Antonio will be known as the Built Ford Tough Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. Speaking of naming rights, construction of the Cowboys new stadium continues as the team seeks a deal to name the new venue that some have predicted will be as high as $1 billion.  That's not a typo.  The Cowboys have numerous sponsors including Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Ford, Verizon, Bank of America and Papa John's.  Stay tuned to find out what mega corporation will have its name on the Cowboys new home, which is slated to open in 2009. Speaking of the new stadium, the state-of-the-art facility is being considered as the site for Super Bowl XLV in 2011.  The metroplex (Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, etc.) is putting its best foot forward in a campaign designed to lure the NFL to allow Big D to host the popular event for the first time in Dallas history.

Cowboys Unofficial Mascot Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones Passes Away 03/23/2007 The Dallas Cowboys will pay tribute to the late Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones, their unofficial mascot of more than 40 years, with a public memorial service at 10 a.m. (CDT) Saturday, March 24 in the Stadium Club at Texas Stadium. Friends and fans of Crazy Ray and the Cowboys are welcome to attend Saturday's service, which is open to the general public. The Texas Stadium parking lot will open at 9 a.m., and fans will be asked to enter the parking lot located at the Gate 1 parking entrance. Admission to the Stadium Club will be accessible at Gate 10, next to the statue of Coach Tom Landry. Ray, 76, died Saturday morning (03/17/07) after battling various illnesses over the years. He was a beloved icon since the Cowboys' early days, cheering the franchise on in full western wear. The Cowboys also announced Tuesday that Ray will be honored at a 2007 regular-season home game at Texas Stadium next fall. A tribute to the team's most famous fan will be presented, and the organization will honor Ray's wife Mattie in an on-field ceremony. The Cowboys' schedule is expected to be released within the next few weeks. Source: dallascowboys.com

OL Leonard Davis Becomes First Free Agent Signing 03/05/2007 The Cowboys have taken their first step in free agency this year, and what a huge one it is. They have signed the 6-6, 366-pound offensive lineman Leonard Davis, introducing him Monday morning at a media conference here at The Ranch and immediately making him the biggest guy up front. The terms also are staggering. Davis signed a seven-year, $49.6 million deal, and it's one laced with a $16 million signing bonus and $18.75 million in guaranteed money. That's easily the largest signing bonus the Cowboys have paid out since the 1994 start to free agency in the NFL, and his deal dwarfs the one Flozell Adams signed in 2003 - a five-year, $30 million deal averaging $6 million a year and including a $10 million signing bonus. Just a sign of the times and the team's top needs. "You just don't see the natural combination of talent and size Leonard brings to the table," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "The offensive line was an area of real concern for us." Source:  dallascowboys.com

Brotherly Love: Everson Walls Donates Kidney to Ron Springs 03/02/2007 Ron Springs and Everson Walls will always share a bond forged over their years as teammates on the Dallas Cowboys. That's nothing compared to their newest link - the kidney Walls donated to Springs. Springs and Walls were recovering at Medical City Hospital on Thursday, a day after the transplant operation - the first between two former U.S. professional athletes. "That's brotherly love," Springs told The Associated Press in December. "It's something you can't explain, but something that I will always think about every day for the rest of my life." The former football stars and their doctors are scheduled to hold a news conference Friday. The players hope they can inspire others to become organ donors by sharing their story. (For the complete story, click on the link below). Source:  http://sportsline.com/nfl/story/10031342

Cowboys hire Brian Stewart as Defensive Coordinator 03/01/2007 Wade Phillips completed his staff today by hiring former San Diego Chargers DB coach Brian Stewart as defensive coordinator. Stewart will replace Mike Zimmer, who was hired as the Atlanta defensive coordinator during the two weeks of Bill Parcells' indecision. "I think I'm in a good situation coming back with Wade again," Stewart said. "With us running his defense, he's not really going to let me stumble. I feel like it's going to be a good relationship again. He's a great coach and I'm excited about this opportunity and learning from him again." The hiring of Stewart leaves Todd Bowles, who did interview with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for the head coaching job and was considered the odds-on favorite to become defensive coordinator had Parcells returned for a fifth season, still as the team's secondary coach. The remainder of the defensive staff consists of linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni, defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and assistant linebackers coach/defensive quality control Dat Nguyen. Prior to his two years working for the Texans (2002-03) and three in San Diego (2004-06), Stewart spent one season at Syracuse as the defensive backs coach where he worked under Pasqualoni, then head coach. Well, I obviously thought a lot of them then because I hired him," Pasqualoni said. "He's a young, bright coach. I'm really excited to work with him again. I think he's going to do a really good job here." RETURNING DEFENSIVE COACHES Todd Bowles Defensive Backs Paul Pasqualoni Linebackers Kacy Rogers Defensive Line Source:  dallascowboys.com

Wade Phillips Puts His Staff Together Coach Phillips addresses the media 02/23/2007 Jason Garrett Offensive Coordinator (Former Dallas QB) John Garrett Offensive Asst. (Jason's Brother) Dat Nguyen Defensive QC & Linebackers (Former Dallas Linebacker) Skip Peete Running Backs (Rodney's Brother) Wes Phillips Offensive Quality Control (Wade's Son) Bruce Read Special Teams (Formerly with Oregon State) Ray Sherman Wide Receivers (Experienced NFL coach) Tony Sporano Assistant Head Coach (Former Off. Play Caller) Wade Wilson Quarterbacks Coach (Former Dallas QB) Source:  various

Meet Wade Phillips The Dallas Cowboys New Head Coach 02/08/2007 The Cowboys' coaching search is finally over Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones officially introduced Wade Phillips as the Cowboys' seventh head coach in club history during a news conference Thursday at Valley Ranch. After a lengthy interviewing process that included 10 candidates, the Cowboys just couldn't pass on Phillips and his defensive background to be the successor for Bill Parcells, who announced his retirement on Jan. 22. Phillips interviewed for the job back on Jan. 26 as the fifth candidate to meet with Jones and the staff. However, Phillips was the most experienced of all the candidates as a coach for 30 years in the NFL. He's the son of former Oilers and Saints head coach Bum Phillips. This will be Phillips' third head coaching stint after stops in Denver (1993-94) and Buffalo (1998-2000), along with two other interim head coaching positions in New Orleans (1985) and Atlanta (2003). But his latest success has come in San Diego, where he spent the last three years as defensive coordinator. He led a Chargers unit that led the NFL in sacks. Phillips is known for his aggressive 3-4 defensive schemes and that appeared to be the overriding factor for Jones and the Cowboys, who switched from 4-3 to 3-4 under Bill Parcells two years ago. "Obviously, I like the 3-4," Phillips said following his interview on Jan. 26.. "I've been coaching it a long time. I think it gives you a lot of things, especially pass rush, that you can match up a lot, pass-rush wise. You can always beat blocking schemes, offensive blocking schemes. Obviously my background is defense and the 3-4. I like both of those things." Phillips also said inheriting a 9-7 team that advanced to the playoffs would be attractive for any new coach. "Well, they had a good team," he said. "Bill Parcells was here, and put together a solid team. That's pretty important already. They were in the playoffs last year. That's a good start for any head coach." Source:  dallascowboys.com

Irvin Makes Hall of Fame At Last Vintage "Playmaker" Celebration 02/04/2007 MIAMI - Michael Irvin scored his biggest touchdown eight years after his retirement from the Dallas Cowboys. Irvin was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, joining Gene Hickerson, Bruce Matthews, Charlie Sanders, Thurman Thomas and Roger Wehrli in the Class of 2007. Irvin and his wife, Sandi, nervously watched on television in their Miami hotel room as the inductees were announced. "You hear the names called," Irvin said. "I know my alphabet. When I heard H, I'm like, `OK, I is next.' Whew! I was so afraid they were going to skip over the I's." The third time was the charm for Irvin. After reaching the final six in his first year of eligibility in 2005 and the final 10 last year, Irvin finally earned his place in Canton, Ohio, by receiving at least 80 percent voting support from the 40 selectors. Irvin said he has not settled on a presenter for Hall of Fame weekend on Aug. 4-5. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16618480.htm

Cowboys Hire Jason Garrett Jason "RedBall" Garrett 01/26/2007 The Dallas Cowboys have hired Jason Garrett to be a coach for their team, but the team did not indicate what exactly he would do yet. After Bill Parcells retired on Monday, the team has been searching for a new head coach. Garrett is more suited for offensive coordinator, which is the position he will likely be given once the team finds their main guy. Garrett, who was the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins the past two seasons, drew quite a bit of interest from teams searching for an offensive coordinator, including the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were denied permission to speak with Garrett. "The nature and timing of this hire is unique in that we were dealing with a limited window of time in which to talk to Jason about returning to Dallas," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Jones hopes that Garrett will be able to bring a new fire to their offensive approach, to compliment what Tony Romo provided this season. "Jason is someone who is held in high regard as a bright offensive mind throughout the NFL," Jones said. "We are grateful to the Dolphins for granting the Cowboys permission to explore this opportunity. Jason will now proceed further in our head coaching search as an in-house candidate." Source:  www.pfcritics.com

Cowboys Looking for New Head Coach: Bill Parcells Retires A rare happy moment of the 2006 season 01/22/2007 After four seasons, the Bill Parcells era here in Dallas is over. The Cowboys' head coach for the last four years officially announced his resignation here Monday morning. "I am retiring from coaching football. I want to thank Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones for their tremendous support over the last four years," Parcells said in a statement. "Also, the players, my coaching staff and others in the support group who have done so much to help. Dallas is a great city and the Cowboys are an integral part of it. I am hopeful that they are able to go forward from here." Parcells, 65, compiled a 34-30 record with the Cowboys over the last four years. "I am in good health and feel lucky to have been able to coach in the NFL for an extended period of time," Parcells said. "I leave the game and the NFL with nothing but good feelings and gratitude to all the players, coaches and other people that have assisted me in that regard." Parcells becomes the fourth different, but obviously the most prominent, coach to leave the Cowboys' staff this off-season. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and special teams coach Bruce DeHaven both took similar positions with Atlanta and Seattle, respectively. Offensive quality control coach David Lee is now the offensive coordinator at Arkansas. Source:  dallascowboys.com

Mike Zimmer Leaves to be Defensive Coordinator for Atlanta Falcons Former Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer 01/12/2007 The Dallas Cowboys are in the market for a defensive coordinator after Mike Zimmer accepted an offer Tuesday from the Atlanta Falcons. Zimmer and new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino were on the same staff at Weber State in 1987 and 1988. With coach Bill Parcells' future uncertain, it's hard to say who will succeed Zimmer or even if the Cowboys will continue to run the 3-4 defense. The in-house candidates could include linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni and secondary coach Todd Bowles should Parcells return. Source:  mysanantonio.com

Pro Bowl Bound 4 Cowboys Headed to Hawaii DeMarcus Ware, Roy Williams, Tony Romo and Matt McBriar 12/20/2006 When DeMarcus Ware and Roy Williams joined the Cowboys as first-round draft picks, making the Pro Bowl was expected. For Tony Romo and Mat McBriar, just making the team was good enough. The Cowboys' quarterback and punter not only did that, but they've made this year's Pro Bowl squad and will be joined by Ware and Williams, who is going for the fourth straight season. Despite returning to the playoffs for the first time in three years and on the verge of winning their first division title since 1998, the Cowboys have only four players on the NFC's Pro Bowl roster. Ware and McBriar were named the team's only two starters, while Romo and Rams' quarterback Marc Bulger will back up New Orleans Drew Brees in the game. Williams is a backup to Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. Source:  dallascowboys.com Update:  Andre Gurode, Jason Witten and Flozell Adams also made the team as alternates for a total of seven Cowboys in Honolulu.

Stadium Magic Cowboys announce plans for new home A rendering of the Cowboys' new stadium, which will be the largest NFL venue ever built. 12/12/2006 With the Dallas Cowboys ultra-concerned about their present, leading the NFC East by one game with three to play, they will excitedly look into the future Tuesday night, pulling back the curtain on their new stadium. Behind Door No. 1 is a futuristic Dallas Cowboys stadium, one with a retractable roof, retractable end-zone plaza doors and an unprecedented two-sided, 60-yard video screen hanging from the rafters that at the same time will pay homage to the franchise's rich history and traditions. Because when the double roof panels slide open, the top of this 80,000-seat capacity stadium will be a replica of the famed Texas Stadium hole in the roof, a landmark recognized worldwide. The Ring of Honor will be transferred to the new stadium, too, and this time around, 38 years after Texas Stadium was built here in suburban Dallas, the Cowboys will house their history in a franchise Hall of Fame tucked inside the 2.3 million square-foot structure located in Arlington, Texas, just southwest of Ameriquest Field. This will be the largest NFL venue ever built, spanning twice the distance of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, with a domed roof structure high enough to house the Statue of Liberty. Source:  dallascowboys.com

Troy Aikman and Rayfield Wright Enshrined in Canton Speech Transcripts 08/05/06 There was a Cowboys Pep Rally and a Hall of Fame induction ceremony broke out in Canton, Ohio.  Dallas jerseys were everywhere as Cowboys faithful showed their loud appreciation for Troy Aikman's first ballot induction and Rayfield Wright's overdue enshrinement.  Former players from the 70s and 90s were present including, Hollywood Henderson, Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, Daryl "Moose" Johnston, Nate Newton and more. The two Cowboys gave the most emotional and eloquent speeches on a day that also included the inductions of Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon and the late Reggie White.  But it was obvious that Cowboys fans dominated the audience on a sunny, hot day in Canton.  It was a proud day to be a Cowboy fan. Speech Transcripts Source:  dallascowboys.com