Wednesday, January 14, 1998

Jones says he's considering George Seifert to coach Cowboys

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Anyone tracking the Dallas Cowboys' coaching search can put George Seifert's name back on the candidate list.

Dallas' interest in Seifert, the hottest name on the market, seemed minimal Sunday when Barry Switzer told an Oklahoma television station that the former San Francisco coach wasn't a candidate to be his successor.

However, on Monday, a team source told The Associated Press, "Barry may not be as clued in as he thinks he is." That was confirmed Tuesday when team owner Jerry Jones told The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Seifert is still an option.

"I certainly have not ... ruled out George Seifert," Jones told the Star-Telegram in a telephone interview from New York, where he was part of the NFL's television negotiations.

Switzer resigned last week after the Cowboys went 6-10 to miss the playoffs for the first time in seven years. At the time, Jones said he would not discuss who would become the fourth coach in team history. He added that any information not coming from him must be considered speculation.

"This is not the kind of process where I'm going to give regular progress reports," Jones told the Morning News in Wednesday editions. "When we've made a decision, we'll let everyone know it's done."

Dozens of names have been mentioned in connection with the job, but Jones has been uncharacteristically close-mouthed. However, Denver coach Mike Shanahan has recommended that Jones hire Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Shanahan said Switzer called him on Jones' behalf.

It's not clear whether Jones has contacted Seifert, who is under contract with the 49ers until next month. San Francisco team president Carmen Policy has said the former coach is free to pursue other coaching opportunities.

Seifert was the 49ers' defensive coordinator under Bill Walsh from 1983 to 1988, then went 108-35 as the team's head coach. He resigned after 1996 season.

Quarterback Troy Aikman, among the players most affected by the coaching change, has had little to say publicly about his preferences.

Leigh Steinberg, Aikman's agent, said Aikman's silence is intentional.

"Troy in no way wants to pick the coach," Steinberg said. "He clearly wants this to be a Jerry Jones decision ... and nothing that is catered toward him."