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Thursday, December 18, 1997

Barry satisfied with Barry

By MIKE BALDWIN / The Daily Oklahoman

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas coach Barry Switzer will experience a losing record for the first time in his 20-year career, but he believes that's not an indication of how he's coached this season.

"I think I've done as good a job as when we won the Super Bowl," Switzer said Tuesday at his weekly press conference, "probably a little better with some of the younger players."

Since Dallas (6-9) will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1990, Switzer was asked once again whether he believes he'll coach the Cowboys next season.

"I'm a guy that likes to answer questions. I'm honest and open and candid with you," Switzer said. "I usually say it like it is, but Rich (Dalrymple, PR director) told me, ÔDon't answer any questions like that.' I can't answer that for you. Jerry (owner Jerry Jones) has to answer that."

Switzer, 60, said last week he wants to coach next season, and will still have a role with the organization even if he's not the coach. For weeks he's endured rumors that the regular-season finale Sunday at Texas Stadium could be the final game of his career. Has it affected him?

"Not at all, not one bit," Switzer said. "It really hasn't. It's probably affected my family and friends more than anyone else. It hasn't affected me because it doesn't bother me."

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)