Tuesday, July 28, 1998

Dallas breaks in eight new assistants

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) --Forget trying to learning the numbers of all the rookies trying to make the Dallas Cowboys' squad. It's more of a challenge trying to figure out the names of all the new coaches.

The Cowboys have eight new assistant coaches.

Two are familiar. That would be former defensive lineman Jim Jeffcoat and former linebacker, defensive back, special teams star Bill Bates. Both are rookie assistants on Chan Gailey's new staff.

Here's a look at the other new ones:

- George Edwards, linebacker coach: At the age of 31 he is in his first pro coaching job. Came from the Georgia coaching staff. A former Duke linebacker.

- Buddy Geis, quarterbacks: quarterbacks coach and former offensive coordinator of the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian League in 1995. Was an assistant for the Indianapolis Colts for two seasons.

- Les Miles, tight ends: Played for Michigan, coaches and Colorado, Michigan and Oklahoma State. Was offensive coordinator for OSU last year.

- Dwain Painter, wide receivers: Has been an assistant at San Diego and Denver. In 1986 was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at the University of Texas.

- Clarence Shelmon, running backs: Former running back at the University of Houston. Was running backs coach at Seattle from 1992 to 1997. A former teammate of Robert Newhouse, who played for the Cowboys and now a front office staffer who helps with player assistance and development.

- Tommie Robinson, offensive assistant: Spent last four years as TCU receivers coach. Was a defensive back at Troy State when Chan Gailey was head coach at that school.

Returning coaches on the Dallas staff include Jim Bates, assistant head coach; Dave Campo, defensive coordinator; Joe Avezzano, special teams coach, Mike Zimmer, defensive backs; Steve Hoffman, kickers coach; Hudson Houck, offensive line; Joe Juraszek, strength and conditioning.

"I'm learning something new every day," said Jeffcoat. "Coaching takes long hours. Sometimes you really don't appreciate it when you're a player."