The story of the Dallas Cowboys and their owner Jerry Jones has been both compelling and tumultuous. When Jones took over as owner and general manager in 1989, the team was coming off a disastrous 1-15 season. Yet, under his leadership, the Cowboys quickly turned their fortunes around by adding future Hall of Famers like Emmitt Smith to a roster that already included Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. This team went on to win three Super Bowls in the early 1990s, re-establishing itself as what many referred to as "America’s Team."
The success came under the guidance of head coach Jimmy Johnson, who led the team to two Super Bowl titles. However, after a fallout between Jones and Johnson, Barry Switzer was brought in as head coach and managed to secure a third Super Bowl victory in 1995. Since then, the Cowboys have struggled to regain that level of success, with the last nearly three decades being marked by disappointment and inconsistency.
Since their last Super Bowl win, the Cowboys have cycled through a series of head coaches, each one with the hope that they could recreate the glory days. Despite numerous attempts, no one has managed to lead the team back to the NFC Championship game, let alone to another Super Bowl. In fact, in the years following Switzer’s departure, the Cowboys have seen six head coaches produce only four playoff victories — a stark contrast to the success experienced under Jimmy Johnson, whose teams tallied more playoff wins in just four seasons.
Let’s take a closer look at the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaches since the departure of Switzer and how they fared during their tenures.
Chan Gailey (1998-1999)
Gailey, stepping in after Switzer, had high expectations but fell short, ending his tenure with an 18-14 regular-season record and failing to win in the playoffs. The team, filled with previously dominant players, was starting to show its age, and Gailey’s coaching style did not mesh well with the diminishing star power. He faced criticism for his inability to adapt to the strengths of the aging roster, ultimately being dismissed after consecutive wild-card losses.
Dave Campo (2000-2002)
Promoted from within, Campo faced an uphill battle after an unsuccessful tenure as head coach. Over three seasons, he managed a disappointing record of 15-33 and did not guide the team to the playoffs even once. Campo’s tenure is often viewed as one of the low points for the franchise.
Bill Parcells (2003-2006)
Bringing in Parcells was a move that generated excitement, as he was a two-time Super Bowl champion. His first season produced a turnaround, as the Cowboys finished 10-6. However, despite having talented rosters, Parcells could not advance past the playoffs. After a four-year stint, he retired, leaving a sense of unfulfilled promise.
Wade Phillips (2007-2010)
Phillips enjoyed a solid start, leading the team to a 13-3 record and their first playoff win since 1996. However, the team faltered in subsequent playoff appearances, and after a rough start to the 2010 season, Phillips was dismissed mid-year. His tenure was seen as one of missed opportunities.
Jason Garrett (2010-2019)
Garrett was promoted mid-season and eventually became the permanent head coach. His early years were marked by mediocrity with multiple 8-8 seasons, though he did bring some playoff appearances. The high point was a 12-4 season in 2014, but the Cowboys failed to make significant playoff advances during his tenure. After a decade in charge, Garrett’s contract was not renewed, reflecting the ongoing struggle for sustained success.
Mike McCarthy (2020-2023)
Hired amid questions regarding past performance, McCarthy had mixed results during his time with the Cowboys. Though his tenure saw a strong offensive talent pool, including a promising quarterback in Dak Prescott, the team consistently struggled in the playoffs. McCarthy was ultimately dismissed after failing to advance beyond the divisional rounds in his last three seasons.
As Jerry Jones searches for a new head coach, the hope remains that he can finally find someone who can guide the Cowboys back to their former glory. With nearly three decades of searching, fans are eager to see if this time will yield a different outcome for "America’s Team."
