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Thursday, November 13, 1997

Jones: I'm the one and only source

By MIKE BALDWIN

The Daily Oklahoman

IRVING, Texas - Owner Jerry Jones is amazed that media outlets are quoting sources who claim (fill in the blank) will be the Cowboys' next head coach. As Jones views it, he's the one and only source.

"Anything that's reported that uses sources regarding a prospective head coach, or a change with Barry (Switzer), is not true," Jones said. "I haven't even had in-house discussions with Stephen (Jones' son and a team executive) as to anyone coaching our team other than Barry Switzer. I say that because of the continued speculation of using sources that are just not founded at all."

Jerry Jones shot down reports he's already worked out a deal to bring in former 49er coach George Seifert next season. Jones said he hasn't talked to Seifert since March, when they were both involved in the NFL competition committee meetings. Does he expect these types of stories all season?

"It didn't bother me that much last week. And at this juncture, I don't think it's bothering the team, Barry and the staff," Jones said. "I guess maybe because Barry has been the subject of potential criticism since he got here, we've gotten kind of used to it. Because of the media attention, it looks like the organization is possibly thinking about (a coaching change), and we aren't thinking about it."

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Wide receiver Michael Irvin interrupted Jones' impromptu press conference Wednesday in the locker room and said: "Jerry's here to announce me as the new head coach. Go ahead and make that announcement, Jerry."

"Do you have any idea what a pay cut you're fixing to take?" Jones quipped.

"OK," Irvin said, laughing. "I will be playing wide receiver."

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Linebacker Vinson Smith (broken jaw) and guard Nate Newton practiced Wednesday, but offensive tackle Erik Williams (sprained ankle) sat out the two-hour session. Williams is listed as questionable, but the Cowboys are hopeful he will play Sunday. If Williams can't play, Tony Hutson would start at right tackle.

"Williams has improved," Switzer said. "Hud (offensive-line coach Hudson Houck) believes he will (play) Sunday."

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)