Friday, January 30, 1998

Seifert unsure of job candidacy as Jones, Lewis meet up again

By Jean-Jacques Taylor

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

DALLAS - While one potential Cowboys coach questioned his candidacy Thursday, another interviewed with owner Jerry Jones for the second time.

Former San Francisco coach George Seifert said he wasn't sure if he was still a candidate to replace Barry Switzer, whose resignation was announced Jan. 9.

When asked if he still considered himself a candidate, Seifert said, "That's not my decision. Jerry has some fine candidates, and he's working his way through this process. I'm really not the issue; everybody just has to see how it works out."

Jones said he still considers Seifert a candidate.

"I told George I have not made my decision as to who the next coach will be," Jones said.

Meanwhile, Green Bay offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis joined Seifert and UCLA coach Terry Donahue as the only candidates Jones has publicly acknowledged interviewing twice.

Lewis arrived at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch complex about 4:30 p.m. and spent two hours talking to coaches and touring the complex. Then he left for dinner at Jones' home, where he was expected to spend the night.

Jones said he also talked to Seifert and Donahue on Thursday, but has made no plans to meet with either of them.

Jones said he expects to name a coach early next week, but added he did not want to feel pressured into making a decision.

"I want to sort through things and review my activities, then I'll make a decision," Jones said. "I owe this to the players and to the fans to make a good decision."

Although Lewis is Green Bay's offensive coordinator, coach Mike Holmgren calls the plays. Still, Lewis said he would not want to be an offensive coordinator with expanded duties such as play-calling and formulating the game plan.

"I am here interviewing for the head coaching position and nothing else," Lewis said. "I knew Mike was offensive coach when I joined the Packers. I don't have a big ego. I don't care who gets most of the credit as long as we're getting the job done and winning Super Bowls."

Lewis, who has interviewed in the past with Atlanta and Arizona for head coaching positions, is considered one of the top coordinators in the NFL.

But he's also been the focus of some controversy.

There had been speculation the NFL asked Jones to interview Lewis, a black, to appease some black assistant coaches upset Lewis has yet to get a head coaching job.

Lewis has earned four Super Bowl rings in 14 years in the NFL.

"I have a pretty good feel for people, and I didn't think he would waste my time or his," Lewis said. "I feel like I'm due. I feel like maybe I'm overdue.

If he does get the job, Lewis said he wouldn't have any problems with Jones' hands-on approach to ownership or adapting his West Coast offense to Troy Aikman's talents.

"We've discussed that, and Jerry has assured me that he will do anything to help me and the team win," Lewis said. "My offense is very adaptable, and with an All-Pro quarterback like Troy Aikman, I'll do the adapting."

(c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News.

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