Friday, February 13, 1998

Jones still will make final calls

By Bart Hubbuch

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

DALLAS - Just how much authority Chan Gailey will have as the coach of the Cowboys was evident Thursday in a two-sentence exchange with owner Jerry Jones.

Asked to reveal the length of his new contract, Gailey turned to Jones and said, "Can we talk about that?"

Jones shook his head. "No, we're not going to talk about that," he said.

Next question.

The overflow crowd at Gailey's introductory news conference erupted in laughter, and Gailey and Jones smiled, too. But the moment seemed to be a telling one for those still wondering who's the boss at Valley Ranch.

This much was clear Thursday: Gailey is the head coach, but Jones - as promised - will continue to have the final say on everything from the draft to free agency to the hiring and firing of assistant coaches.

It's not as bleak as it sounds, Jones and Gailey insisted repeatedly as the question was posed in various forms throughout the 45-minute gathering.

"Anyone who really knows me knows how much I listen to people who do their homework," Jones said. "They know I am a delegator."

Gailey, 46, said he wouldn't have accepted his first NFL head-coaching position if he were uncomfortable with Jones' all-encompassing presence in the organization.

Whatever doubts Gailey had about Jones were resolved when the two met four times since last Sunday to discuss the position, Gailey said.

"I don't see it in any way, shape or form as a negative," the former Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator said. "I see it only as a positive. We're going to have a great working relationship. The key is getting what's right, not who's right. Everybody in this room knows the final decision goes through this man right here."

Atlanta Falcons' Coach Dan Reeves, a longtime Gailey friend who hired him as an assistant with the Denver Broncos in 1985, said Gailey knows full well his role with the admittedly hands-on Jones.

Jimmy Johnson chafed at Jones' constant presence, while Barry Switzer endured it without complaint. Gailey has asked around and is prepared for it, Reeves said.

"He's going in with his eyes open," Reeves said. "He understands what he's getting into. He wouldn't be taking it if he didn't think it was a workable situation."

One concession Jones appeared to make Thursday regarded the Cowboys' stagnant offense. Gailey will have complete control over the direction and play-calling in his bid to rejuvenate a unit that ranked 20th in the NFL in total yards last season.

Gailey's proven ability as an offensive coordinator, in fact, is what sold Jones on him as Switzer's replacement, Jones said. Gailey is considered an innovator and tinkerer who frequently used four- and even five-receiver sets in Pittsburgh.

"He's imaginative yet practical," Jones said. "Those are hard to find in the same person. He's an artist, but he can also execute the basics and be very organized."

Gailey vowed to take full advantage of that authority, saying that whoever the Cowboys hire as offensive coordinator to replace Ernie Zampese will fill that role "in name only."

Gailey will be responsible for hiring the offensive coordinator, Jones promised.

"Chan will recommend who that should be," Jones said. "He will make the recommendation, and I will accept it."

Jones, however, was vague and noncommittal about Gailey's role in the Cowboys' defense, which ranked No. 2 in the league last year. Jones already has indicated that Dallas will switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment next season, and defensive coordinator Dave Campo did little to dispute that Thursday.

As a result, the Cowboys' defensive game plan already appears in place - without significant input from Gailey. Will the same apply to free agency, the college draft and decisions regarding personnel and assistant coaches?

Jones wouldn't be specific. But Gailey joins the Cowboys late in the scouting process for free agency and the draft, prompting questions about his role - at least this year - in both areas.

Cowboys' scouting director Larry Lacewell was absent from Valley Ranch on Thursday and not available to answer questions about Gailey's input into the draft. Switzer had little input in his four drafts as coach of the Cowboys, especially compared to Johnson.

But vice president/personnel director Stephen Jones said Gailey will be asked to check off on potential free-agent additions, even though the Cowboys held intensive meetings without him this week. The NFL's five-month free agency period begins Friday.

The biggest question is how Jerry Jones' presence - and the perception by many critics that he hired a puppet for a coach - will affect Gailey's credibility in the Cowboys' locker room.

Jones didn't seem concerned about that, especially since Gailey has cut his teeth as an assistant under Reeves and Mike Shanahan, both of whom are among the most detailed and disciplined coaches in the league.

Gailey's promise of a disciplined approach was greeted warmly by Jones, especially in light of the laid-back style favored by Switzer.

"As the players see his skill, his ability to adjust and his focus on having a winning football team, it's going to light a fire in them, as well," Jones said. "He's an impressive man."

But will Gailey be his own man?

Time - and Jones - will tell.

(c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News.

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