Saturday, January 10, 1998

Switzer praised by Oklahoma officials

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma coach John Blake said he was disappointed but not surprised Friday when Barry Switzer resigned as the coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Blake, who was an assistant for Switzer in Dallas before becoming Sooner coach, said he expected Switzer to miss being around the players more than anything.

"Barry Switzer is an outstanding football coach and person," Blake said at an afternoon news conference outside the university's football offices.

"As a head coach, there is a certain responsibility that you have to take. There are a lot of reasons why you may or may not win football games," he said. "However, as a head coach those are the responsibilities that come with the job."

Switzer went 45-26 in four seasons, winning a Super Bowl in his second season and division titles in his first three. He was 6-10 in this last season.

"No matter what people might be saying about Barry Switzer, he is one of the greatest coaches the game of football has ever had," said athletic director Steve Owens.

"There haven't been many coaches on any level who have been able to achieve the kind of consistent success that Switzer has during his career."

Switzer said in a statement read by Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones that he believed a fresh start was needed at coach.

"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."

Jones said the decision was "a very difficult and emotional one for everyone who was involved."

"He had the toughness to walk into a situation that was as great as challenge as any football coach has ever faced in the NFL," Jones said. "Barry Switzer was the right man for the right time."