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Wednesday, December 24, 1997

Change is a comin' to Valley Ranch

By MIKE BALDWIN / The Daily Oklahoman

IRVING, Texas -- Now comes the fallout.

Changes are inevitable at Valley Ranch now that the Dallas Cowboys have concluded a disappointing 6-10 season, their worst finish this decade. It's the Cowboys third-worst record in 34 years, the others being 3-13 and 1-15 finishes in 1988 and '89.

One new theory has Switzer remaining for another season to groom a young offensive coordinator, possibly Philadelphia's Jon Gruden or New England's Chris Palmer, who would take over beginning the 1999 season.

"We must, either with the same people or different people, make some changes," said Dallas owner Jerry Jones, "...to get us in a position to compete for a Super Bowl."

Players and coaches have been given the week off. It's uncertain which ones will return this spring to retool a team that lost its last five games, although speculation is rampant Jones will replace head coach Barry Switzer.

"I'll make them at a time when our team gains from them," Jones said. "But you shouldn't assume, in any way, that there are going to be specific people changed out here."

Switzer may have coached his final game. Jones, though, said that topic hasn't been discussed.

"I haven't addressed it in my mind. I haven't addressed it with Barry," said Jones, who claims no one from the organization has talked to anyone about coaching the Cowboys.

"If I talk to anybody, I would be really surprised if they're not interested," Jones said. "This is an exciting place to be. I still consider this one of the best jobs in the NFL."

Regardless of who coaches the Cowboys next season, personnel decisions will be crucial in upcoming weeks. Veterans like Bill Bates, Nate Newton and Mark Tuinei may not return. Several other starters -- Brock Marion, Fred Strickland and Shante Carver -- are free agents who may sign with other teams.

"It's hard to say what should be done, but I don't think you have to make huge, sweeping changes," said tight end Scott Galbraith. "We have talent. Whether our problems were induced by coaches or induced by the players, I don't know. I do know that I'm glad I'm not the one who has to make those decisions."

Jones will ultimately make those decisions, but he will receive input from his son, Stephen Jones, scouting director Larry Lacewell and, strangely enough, Switzer. The Dallas coach says he believes the Cowboys need to sign two guards in free agency, possibly add a wide receiver and find a defensive end and a strong-side linebacker in the draft.

"I never thought I'd see this," said linebacker Randall Godfrey. "It's the majority of the same team that won the Super Bowl in 1995. I know the guys have gotten a little older, but it's still the same players."

Jones had a similar analysis after Sunday's 20-7 loss to the New York Giants. Even though he's expected to hire a new coach, it will be an emotional decision. Jones and Switzer have known each other for more than 35 years, dating back to their days at the University of Arkansas.

"Ever since I've been aware of sports and athletics, Barry Switzer has been a part of my consciousness," Jones said. "It's a personal thing with me."

It was also personal to see a team that has won three of the past five Super Bowls slide to the eighth pick in next April's draft.

"I was surprised at how emotional I was, walking off that field, knowing our season was over and how little we had accomplished," Jones said. "This was not a six-win team when we left training camp."

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)