Sunday, January 18, 1998

Three names left on Jones' candidate list

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has narrowed his search for a new head coach to three candidates. But Jones won't reveal the names on his short list.

"What I'm doing on a daily basis could change, but for now it's three," Jones told The Dallas Morning News in Saturday's editions.

He has said he won't find a replacement for Barry Switzer until after the Super Bowl Jan. 25.

The perceived front-runners are Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, former San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert and Louisiana State coach Gerry DiNardo.

Contacted Saturday, LSU sports information director Herb Vincent said DiNardo had not been contacted by the Cowboys.

Jones has kept the selection process confidential. But there were reports earlier this week that he has consulted former 49ers coach Bill Walsh about a replacement.

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings denied Jones permission to speak to offensive coordinator Brian Billick about a similar job with Dallas.

Jones told his assistant coaches last week they're free to search for jobs elsewhere.

Switzer stepped down last Friday after four years at the helm. He led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory and three division titles, but finished the 1997 season with a 6-10 record.