The Ownership Dilemma and its Impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ Coaching Structure

In an insightful commentary on Monday Night Football, Troy Aikman, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Famer, made a bold statement about the influence of ownership on the team’s coaching dynamics. He said, “The ownership doesn’t empower the Dallas Cowboys head coach,” pointing out that this issue has persisted since Jimmy Johnson’s departure from the organization. This remark sheds light on a critical aspect of the Cowboys’ long-running struggles: the tension between ownership and coaching autonomy, a factor that has arguably stifled the team’s potential for sustained success in the post-Johnson era.

To fully understand the weight of Aikman’s words, it is necessary to delve into the history of the Cowboys, particularly focusing on the era when Jimmy Johnson was at the helm and the subsequent changes that occurred after his departure. Through this lens, we can explore how ownership—led by Jerry Jones—has impacted the decision-making process, team management, and ultimately, the Cowboys’ performance on the field.

The Jimmy Johnson Era: Empowerment and Success

Jimmy Johnson’s tenure as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (1989-1993) is widely regarded as one of the most successful periods in franchise history. When Johnson arrived in Dallas, the Cowboys were in disarray, with a roster full of talent but lacking direction. Under his leadership, however, the Cowboys transformed into an NFL powerhouse. Johnson instilled a winning culture, introduced a no-nonsense approach to coaching, and rebuilt the team into one of the most formidable forces in the league.

One of the critical factors behind Johnson’s success was the autonomy he had over team decisions. While Jerry Jones was the owner and general manager, he gave Johnson a significant amount of control over personnel decisions and the direction of the team. Johnson’s bold moves, such as the trade that sent Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for multiple high draft picks, paved the way for the Cowboys’ future dominance. This trade was a masterstroke, providing the team with the foundational pieces that would lead to the Cowboys’ two Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.

However, despite the success, a power struggle between Johnson and Jerry Jones simmered beneath the surface. Johnson, a strong-willed and independent coach, clashed with Jones over control of football operations, and the two men’s relationship became increasingly strained. The tension reached a boiling point in 1994, when Johnson left the Cowboys after winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Jerry Jones, as the owner, was unwilling to relinquish control over the team’s operations, while Johnson, as the head coach, sought greater autonomy in his role.

The Post-Johnson Era: A Shift in Power Dynamics

Following Jimmy Johnson’s departure, the Dallas Cowboys entered an era of uncertainty and inconsistency. The team’s performance fluctuated as ownership and coaching struggled to find common ground. Several head coaches passed through the ranks, but none were able to replicate the success Johnson had achieved. The Cowboys went through a period of rebuilding, with various head coaches—Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, and Dave Campo—each having varying degrees of success, but none could bring the team back to the glory days of the early 1990s.

Aikman’s assertion about the lack of empowerment for Cowboys head coaches speaks to a deeper issue that has plagued the franchise since Johnson’s exit: the centralization of power in the hands of Jerry Jones. Jones, while an exceptionally successful businessman, has proven to be a somewhat controversial figure in the realm of NFL ownership. His willingness to involve himself in football-related decisions, particularly those that would typically fall under the purview of the head coach or general manager, has led to friction within the organization.

Jones’ penchant for maintaining a hands-on approach has made it difficult for head coaches to exert full control over their teams. The results have been mixed. While the Cowboys have had some success under coaches like Bill Parcells and Jason Garrett, they have never been able to recapture the sustained dominance that characterized the Johnson era.

Jerry Jones’ Influence: The Owner as GM

One of the key points raised by Aikman is the notion that Jerry Jones has not empowered his head coaches in the same way he did with Jimmy Johnson. Jones, who purchased the Cowboys in 1989, is deeply involved in the team’s operations, especially in the realm of personnel decisions. Over the years, Jones has earned a reputation as a hands-on owner, frequently making decisions regarding player acquisitions, roster moves, and even game strategy. This level of involvement, while showcasing Jones’ passion for the team, has often come at the expense of the head coach’s autonomy.

Jones’ dual role as both owner and general manager has often led to questions about his ability to balance those responsibilities. On one hand, he is the visionary behind the Cowboys’ business empire, securing lucrative sponsorships, driving fan engagement, and maintaining the team’s position as one of the most valuable franchises in the world. On the other hand, his involvement in football operations has sometimes led to tensions with head coaches, who may feel undermined or sidelined in key decisions.

A prime example of this dynamic can be seen in the relationship between Jones and former head coach Jason Garrett. Garrett, who served as the Cowboys’ head coach from 2010 to 2019, was often criticized for being too subservient to Jones and lacking the independence necessary to lead the team effectively. Despite the fact that Garrett was a capable coach, his tenure was marked by inconsistency and frustration, with the team frequently underperforming in big games.

Garrett’s tenure was characterized by frequent public statements from Jones, defending or criticizing certain decisions. While Garrett may have been the face of the team, it often felt as though Jones was the true architect of the Cowboys’ direction. This dynamic led to a lack of cohesion and clarity in the team’s vision. Coaches who were not given the freedom to make their own choices struggled to establish their authority and create a lasting culture of success.

The Modern Cowboys: Mike McCarthy and the Continuing Struggle for Empowerment

The most recent example of the impact of ownership on head coaching autonomy is the tenure of Mike McCarthy, who took over as head coach of the Cowboys in 2020. McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Green Bay Packers, was expected to bring a new level of success to the Cowboys after Garrett’s departure. However, his time in Dallas has been marked by similar struggles to previous head coaches: inconsistency, failure to meet expectations in crucial moments, and a lack of long-term success.

In McCarthy’s case, the issue of empowerment continues to persist. While McCarthy has more freedom than Garrett did, he still operates in a highly controlled environment. Jerry Jones remains heavily involved in personnel decisions, and it has been reported that Jones continues to have significant input in the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. While McCarthy is undoubtedly a respected coach, the question remains: can he truly lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory if his autonomy is constantly in question?

This is a critical issue for the franchise. A successful NFL team requires alignment between ownership, management, and coaching. The head coach needs the freedom to make decisions, implement strategies, and hold players accountable without interference from ownership. This balance of power is essential for creating a cohesive and effective organization.