Friday, February 13, 1998

Players, coaches express optimism over Gailey hire

By David A. Markiewicz

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - They all had their first impressions, Cowboys players and assistant coaches, of new head coach Chan Gailey. To a man, they were positive.

Offensive line coach Hudson Houck said Gailey has the "trademark of a leader. He's very well organized, and he knows what he wants."

Defensive coordinator Dave Campo cited Gailey's knowledge of both the running and passing game, and called him a character guy and "a good man."

In the end, though, one viewpoint probably mattered more than any other uttered in the locker room yesterday.

"Troy's excited," wide receiver Michael Irvin observed. "That's the most important thing to me."

Indeed. As the on-the-field leader of the offense, quarterback Troy Aikman's opinion was considered crucial in owner Jerry Jones' selection of Barry Switzer's replacement.

Thursday, Aikman gave Gailey his initial seal of approval.

Aikman, who met with Gailey earlier in the week at the suggestion of Jones, said, "I liked what I heard him say. I think he's going to bring a lot to this team. And I'm excited about what Chan's going to be able to bring to the offense."

Aikman cited Gailey's ability to develop an offensive game plan, his organizational skills and his relationships with players as assets. But he also pointed to his experience coaching at the NFL level for the Pittsburgh Steelers, noting that Gailey is familiar with players around the league, something a college coach would not be.

Aikman confirmed Jones' statement that Gailey will run the Cowboys offense, even if an offensive coordinator is named.

"Chan's basically the offensive coordinator from what I understand," Aikman said. "He'll be calling the plays."

For now, that's OK with Aikman.

"I think it's a good fit here," he said. "In this particular situation, with Jerry being involved with what he is, and being owner/general manager, that may be the right way to go for this football team. Having a guy who's directly involved in the X's and O's aspect of the game."

Irvin flew in from Memphis, Tenn., yesterday to meet with Gailey after failing to reach any players around the league who might offer their impressions of him.

Even before his meeting, Irvin had a good feeling about Gailey.

"I'm ecstatic," Irvin said. "I believe Jerry made the right move. We'll put the focus back on offense. Our defense played well enough for us to win (last year). Our special teams did, too. Our offense did not."

Wide receiver Macey Brooks agreed that Gailey, who helped guide a strong offense in Pittsburgh, was welcome in Dallas.

"What did they have (in Pittsburgh)," Brooks said. "The number three offense? Number six? That sounds good to me."

Offensive lineman Nate Newton said he couldn't comment specifically about Gailey because he hadn't talked with him yet, but added, "We definitely can use any help we can get."

Cowboys assistant coaches also were enthusiastic about the hiring.

"Being an offensive coach, I love to see somebody come in with new ideas, somebody who's been around the league and knows the personnel and can evaluate our personnel, too," Houck said. "I think we're going to learn quite a bit."

Houck added that while Gailey's offense was noted for its power running game in Pittsburgh behind Jerome Bettis, his offense in Denver with John Elway relied on the passing game.

"He's got a great background in offensive football," Houck said. "He will take a look at our offensive personnel and see what fits for them."

Houck had positive personal impressions after a brief meeting with Gailey.

"I was very impressed with him," Houck said. "He was very direct and to the point where there was no wasted time. He knows exactly what he wants."

Although Gailey is best known for his work on offense, he also has background as a defensive coordinator, which Campo noted.

"I believe he will look at what we do and have some ideas," Campo said. "I believe he will help us."

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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