Tuesday, January 13, 1998

Barry's lips sinking Jerry's ship

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Leaks keep hindering Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' secretive coaching search.

The man he just paid off, Barry Switzer, has been one of the loose cannons Jones would like to tie down.

On Sunday, Switzer told an Oklahoma television station that George Seifert "will not be the coach of the Dallas Cowboys."

Seifert's contract with the San Francisco 49ers ends Feb. 1 and he is one of the NFL's hottest coaching candidates. Seifert has said he would be interested in coaching the Cowboys.

The Dallas Morning News on Monday reported that Switzer, acting on a request from Jones, had called Denver coach Mike Shanahan about offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.

Shanahan gave Switzer an uplifting report about Kubiak, who has been offensive coordinator three years and was a backup to John Elway for nine seasons.

Shanahan said after Denver's 24-21 win over Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game Sunday that Kubiak "would make a great head coach."

"If Jerry calls me, I'll let him talk to Gary," Shanahan said.

Under Kubiak, the Broncos' offense has ranked first in the NFL the past two seasons. Offensive problems sank the Cowboys this season as they plummeted to a 6-10 record and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

This is an off-week before the Super Bowl and the Cowboys could call Kubiak with Denver's permission. Kubiak hasn't said whether he is interested.

Jones was working the telephones Monday, but not returning telephone calls to the media.

However, one source at Valley Ranch said: "Barry may not be as clued in as he thinks he is."

Jones was stung last week when Switzer's resignation became public before he wished. He has vowed that his coaching search will be bug free.

"There will be no details about the candidates," Jones said. "If you hear any speculation, it won't have any foundation unless it comes from me. I will not divulge my process."

Jones said he will announce Switzer's replacement next month.

Switzer had no comment on former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, former UCLA coach Terry Donahue, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Jon Gruden or candidates from Dallas' assistant ranks.

Meanwhile, the assistant coaches were dutifully studying film from this season while awaiting word from Jones if they will be retained.

Offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese has a guaranteed contract through next season, but believes he will be fired anyway. Quarterback coach Jack Reilly has another year remaining on his contact. Defensive coordinator Dave Campo and special teams coach Joe Avezzano are expected to be back.

Jones has given contracts to several new assistants, but refuses to name them. That's one secret that has yet to be leaked.