Wade Phillips Says It Takes 4 Years to Judge Coach

One of the unintended consequences of releasing Terrell Owens is that now there's no one around to take the focus off Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips. (On the upside, the offense is now "Romo-friendly," so there's that.) In previous seasons, Phillips' shortcomings were partly overshadowed by anything T.O. might do, no matter how seemingly benign.

Now, though, when we aren't talking about Tony Romo, the conversation falls squarely on the guy responsible for benching Doug Flutie for Rob Johnson. I have a vague notion of how this is going to end.

At the annual NFL meetings earlier this week, Phillips offered this thoughts on how long it takes to evaluate a head coach. (Presumably, his response is autobiographical, though he could've been speaking in generalities.)

"Well, most cases it takes about four years to find out how good a coach is," Phillips said ... "I can tell you that. It takes about four years to get a championship type team put together.

"We were expected because of Dallas to do it one, maybe two years and we haven't done that. I'm disappointed we haven't, but I think we will."

Potentially good news for the Cowboys, I suppose; Wade is entering Year 3. That said, I suspect that if owner Jerry Jones knew that the guy he hired to replace Bill Parcells was on a four-year plan he might've gone in a different direction.

The Dallas Morning News' Tim MacMahon points out that Jerry "cited the desire for continuity as the primary reason for keeping" Wade around, but adds: "it's hard to see Phillips returning if the opening season in JerryWorld is as disappointing as the final season in Texas Stadium."

And MacMahon's colleague, Calvin Watkins, uses Phillips' "it takes about four years" logic as an opportunity to predict the future:

Based on what Phillips said, Mike Tomlin must be going to the Hall of Fame with George Halas because he won a Super Bowl in only his second season.

I wonder if Phillips believes Ken Whisenhunt is going to Canton because he led Arizona to a Super Bowl in his second season on the job.

Miami's Tony Sparano probably needs a wing in Canton too. He led the Dolphins from a 1-15 record in 2007 to the postseason in 2008.

The problem with Phillips is expectations. Think about it. He signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth. That means, get it done in two years.

I take Wade's point: on average, you need four years to take a floundering franchise to the playoffs. Fair enough. The problem, as Watkins mentions, is that this ain't some small-market team looking to win more games than it loses; it's the Cowboys, where expectations are a tiny bit higher, particularly since they haven't won a playoff game since 1996. Certainly, Phillips must know this.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-28-2009 @ 1:51PM

checka624 said...

The cowboys are gargaggeeeeeeee. WHY is the media STILL stuck on dumb in covering the cowboys even when there is nothing to cover. There's nothing they can write about that everyone doesn't already know about this team.

3-28-2009 @ 5:01PM

lazyindiankid4 said...

haha true bro. But look, let the dumbasses (cowboys) get all the attention they want. Thats the last thing we need here in Washington. haha, a douche bag coach (wade phillips) sayin douchebag like comments. I cant wait until we get a chance to destroy the cowgirls again.

HAIL

3-28-2009 @ 2:31PM

Sully said...

Get your story straight! Phillips went with Johnson over Flutie because owner Ralph Wilson told him to. Phillips always loved Flutie! He even commented that he wanted Flutie over Johnson. Wait till the end of the season before printing something so dumb right now! Then you can either be right or eat your words! Besides, Phillips isn't the problem! The owner that thinks he knows more than anybody else is the problem in Dallas!

3-28-2009 @ 8:26PM

Robin said...

Hey LazyIndian - I think you should focus on the idiots from owner down on your team. Gee my 'Boys' must worry you to death - I keep reading your trash and it's the same thing over and over. Just stay within your own Deadskin blog and keep the jealousy to a minimum! By the way, check the status of who has won the most games between the two teams. It "ain't" you!! ! Go Cowboys!!!

3-28-2009 @ 10:36PM

I think we'll let the playing do the talking this season.

HAIL

3-28-2009 @ 8:27PM

3-28-2009 @ 8:29PM

3-28-2009 @ 8:32PM

Sorry for the dups

3-29-2009 @ 12:53PM

Lazy - That comment is redundant - I hear that every year from Deadskin fans. You win a preseason game and you are on to the SB. Don't forget the Steeler/Redskin game last year - I thought the game was being played in Pittsburgh! Even the season ticket holders give up through the season and sell their tickets. I've been to a Dallas game in DC - the same thing. I respect your loyality though! HAIL NO!

3-29-2009 @ 2:54PM

Robin, as much as us redskin fans hate u cowboy fans. Lets show some class and let the play do the talking. Both our teams are pieces away of being high playoff caliber teams. So please, let the playing do the talking this season.Can't wait until to see a game between both clubs next season. Best of luck to your club.

HAIL

5-01-2009 @ 4:09PM

AJ said...

WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL THESE CRYBABY ASS COWGIRL FANS THAT EMMITT TROY AND MICHAEL ARE GONE!! THE COWBOYS ARE GARBAGE, WADE IS GARBAGE, THEY HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND "SUPPOSED" SUPER BOWL HEADLINERS AND THEY CHOKE EVERY YEAR, IF IT SMELLS LIKE SHIT AND LOOKS LIKE SHIT, GUESS WHAT PEOPLE.. ITS SHIT!!!