Monte Kiffin was the coordinator in charge of one of the worst defenses in NFL history, as only two teams have ever allowed more yards than the Dallas Cowboys did in 2013, yet he will keep his job for another season. Owner Jerry Jones took full responsibility for the decision in an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Jerry Jones finds patience with his coaches
The Cowboys owner opened up on why he’s sticking beside his coaches for another season.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
"Just the mirror," Jones said Monday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and smiled. "No, really. I don't have to do that. Do you discuss and get input about a lot of things? Absolutely. But what we did not do is have a big debate or a big management session regarding Monte Kiffin. We didn't do that. That decision was made last year."
Just as always, the decisions belong entirely to Jones, and while there may be some discussions in the organization about comings and goings, there’s no doubt that it’s the owner pulling the trigger.
With just one postseason victory in the last 17 seasons though, Jones hasn’t found much success with his coaching hires. In fact, not since Tom Landry has a head coach managed to stay with the Cowboys for more than five seasons.
Jimmy Johnson earned consecutive Super Bowl victories during his time with the team, but a lengthy dispute between Jones and Johnson ended with two parting ways in March 1994, less than two months after the Cowboys earned a win in Super Bowl XXVIII.
Barry Switzer cushioned the blow with back-to-back 12-4 seasons in Johnson’s place, including a victory in Super Bowl XXX, but his time as head coach came to an end two seasons later after a 6-10 year. The Cowboys haven’t had much success since, as five head coaches have tried their hand at running the ship.
Chan Gailey won back-to-back NFC East titles in his two seasons as head coach, but losses in the postseason resulted in his firing. Bill Parcells compiled a 34-32 record with an 0-2 postseason record before electing to retire.
Jones has been criticized for his impatience with coaches like Gailey and has recently been criticized for too much patience with coaches like Jason Garrett and Kiffin. With a 30-34 record in the last four seasons and no more than eight wins in any year, the criticism isn’t going to let up any time soon either.
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