Saturday, January 10, 1998

Switzer era ends with Barry a no-show

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The Barry Switzer era with the Dallas Cowboys ended Friday without him attending the announcement of his own demise.

His final day was marked by the same lack of discipline his team showed while going 6-10 this season. Switzer couldn't get his access code to work and was denied entry into the Valley Ranch complex until someone heard him banging on the front door.

Switzer said he resigned to give the Cowboys a fresh start. Owner Jerry Jones said Switzer didn't show for his farewell address because he was more comfortable passing out a statement.

"Under the circumstances, we wanted to honor his wishes," Jones said.

Speculation immediately centered on who would be the new coach. A source in the Cowboys organization told The Associated Press that former San Francisco coach George Seifert was at the top of the list. Seifert is free from his 49ers contract on Feb. 1.

Other candidates include Terry Donahue, former UCLA coach; Jon Gruden, offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles; Miami coach Butch Davis; or perhaps even someone from Switzer's own staff such as defensive coordinator Dave Campo.

Jones, who has already said the Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 defense next year, took himself out of the running.

"I have an image of the new coach real clear and good," said Jones.

Asked if he saw his image in the mirror, Jones laughed and said, "No. Not me."

Switzer, who will not work for Jones any longer, got a buyout estimated at $2 million for the two years he had left on his contract. Jimmy Johnson received a similar check when he and Jones parted ways four years ago.

"Barry will not have a capacity within the organization," Jones said. "We settled on his contract. I've known him for 37 years. We will still have a personal, ongoing friendship. His ledger is square with me."

Switzer, 61, left after the only losing season in his 20-year career. His four years as Cowboys coach is the shortest tenure of the team's three leaders; Johnson lasted a season longer while Tom Landry was in charge for 29 years.

Switzer angered Jones by being arrested in August for trying to carry a pistol in his luggage through the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport. Jones almost fired Switzer on the spot, but eventually fined him $75,000.

The team then began the season with a promising 37-7 victory over Pittsburgh, only to fall into a scoring funk. The Cowboys lost their last five games to miss the playoffs for the first time in seven years. They also failed to win the NFC East for the first time in five seasons.

Quarterback Troy Aikman, fullback Daryl Johnston and running back Emmitt Smith quailed at the lack of discipline on the team. Johnston said players were late for meetings and nothing was done.

"At this time I believe a fresh start at this position will give the Cowboys their greatest opportunity to return to the top," Switzer said in a statement he prepared before leaving for Norman, Okla.

"I am deeply proud of what our players and coaches have been able to accomplish. A Super Bowl championship and three division titles are a source of great pride for this organization and its fans."

Defensive linemen Chad Hennings agreed with the move.

"Change is a good thing," he said. "At this time I do think we need a change at the leadership helm to get us going into a different direction."

Jones said he spent most of the last three weeks trying to decide whether to change coaches. Switzer had long said Jones wouldn't have to fire him; he would resign.

Jones said the Cowboys need a new coach like a slumping baseball team needs a new manager.

"We have come to the realization we must chart a fresh and new path in returning this team to the level of success our fans demand ... of being a Super Bowl team," Jones said. "It will be someone who can work within a system that works. The philosophy we have and how we approach football is why we've had three Super Bowl wins (under his ownership)."

Jones added that it was his fault a coaching change wasn't made sooner.

"I had every reason to think we could compete for a Super Bowl," Jones said. "I know I'm the most responsible for that (Switzer coming back)."

The fate of the assistants was not immediately clear, although Jones already has re-signed several unnamed assistants.

Switzer said in his statement that he was satisfied with the job he did.

"For nearly 40 years I have always cared deeply for ever player I have coached," Switzer said. "I can walk away from this position with that same love and compassion intact. Moving away from those relationships is the most difficult aspect of this very personal and difficult decision."

Veteran Bill Bates said he'll miss Switzer.

"I truly respect Barry Switzer," said Bates, who has played for all three Cowboys coaches. "I had a great time with him. I can honestly say we're friends."

The final casualty of the day was "The Barry Switzer Show." Sunday's episode was already in the can.

"I guess we'll have to retape and rename it," an assistant on the show said.