Wade Phillips to coach the Cowboys in 2010
Another round of cupcakes for everybody...
According to sources of ESPN's Ed Werder, the Dallas Cowboys, who hold a 2010 option on coach Wade Phillips, will bring back Phillips to coach the team next season. What's uncertain, however, is whether owner Jerry Jones will extend Phillips' contract a year (or more) beyond 2010.
Before yesterday's 34-3 beatdown at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, the Cowboys were arguably the hottest team in football after putting together an impressive four-game winning streak including their first playoff victory since 1996.
While yesterday's loss to the Vikings was disappointing for the Cowboys and their fans, the team overachieved based on most pre-season expectations. Most (including me) expected Dallas to finish third in the division.
"His record speaks for itself," quarterback Tony Romo said (via ESPN). "He's done a great job, kept the team together through a lot of tough times this year. He's done a fantastic job as coach of the Cowboys."
Phillips got the first playoff victory of his career last week and as defensive coordinator as well as head coach, he did a great job running the team's defense. The Cowboys finished the season ranked second in defensive scoring (15.6 points allowed per game), ninth in total defense (315.9 yards allowed per game) and seventh in sacks (42).
And during their four-game winning streak, the Cowboys allowed a total of only 24 points including back-to-back shutouts after holding the league's highest scoring offense (then-unbeaten New Orleans) to only 17 points.
Maybe Jerry Jones is right and the Cowboys have a young team that is comparable to the 1991 team that finished 11-5, won one playoff game to end a long drought and then got beat down before going on to win three of four Super Bowls from 1992 to 1995.
But if you ask ESPN's Jim Reeves, he believes that the inability of a Phillips-led squad to coach the team to a Super Bowl, then the Cowboys are about a waste a huge opportunity.
With the contract option, I believe the solution is pretty straightforward for the Cowboys.
If the Cowboys bring back Phillips for 2010 and take a wait-and-see approach about the future beyond the upcoming season, I believe they are making the right choice. If they lock themselves into a longer-term deal with -- and settle for -- Phillips, then they are not.
With a playoff win, a strong finish, a maturing quarterback and a very good young defense, Phillips deserves an opportunity to build on his and the team's 2009 momentum.
That said, expectations for 2010 will be high(er) and if those expectations aren't met, then it would make sense to not bring Phillips back at that point.
