Jones on change in philosophy: Mistakes, I've made a few

IRVING - As aggressive and bold as Jerry Jones is, he hired Bill Parcells out of fear.

A sometimes contrite Jones, who Monday spoke of a "change in philosophy," chose his words carefully Thursday after introducing Parcells. And some words definitely spoke louder than others.

"I've made a lot of mistakes," the owner said. "You know I have. I am not going to grow careless with this relationship. I'm going to do everything within my power and my effort and heart as well as my resources to make this go."

To longtime observers of Jones, this might be a sign that his ego can work with a high-profile coach who is likely to get most of the credit for any success the Cowboys might have. Jones, it could be argued, became careless with his relationship with Jimmy Johnson, and that's why it spontaneously combusted after two straight Super Bowl victories.

"I think for a short time they can have success," Johnson said Thursday. "I talked to Bill about it, and as long as he communicates with Jerry, he'll be fine. To make sure Jerry says the right things publicly."

Jones made it clear he is not going to change certain things. He was asked if he was going to be "allowed" on the sideline during games. Parcells has criticized NFL owners, including Jones, in the past for being too involved with their team.

"Will I be 'allowed' on the sidelines? Yes," Jones said, smiling. "It's my sideline."

Some Jones critics probably wanted to hear him say, "My way didn't work, and I finally brought in a 'football guy' to run my team."

And although that didn't happen, Jones served up bits and pieces of forgive-the-error-of-my-ways in running the Cowboys since Johnson left in 1994.

"I don't want to get into details about change in philosophy," Jones said, referring to his monumental statement after firing Dave Campo. "I frankly think the fact that Bill is sitting here says a lot about this organization and what we are willing to do to win. We want to carry through on that in every decision we make."

Jones' closest confidant, his son Stephen, said his father hasn't changed, only that he had an opportunity to hire a coach with an impressive pedigree. Stephen Jones said a big-name coach might have been hired during previous coaching searches if one had been available.

Stephen Jones also said a lot is at stake for the Cowboys. Those things are plans for a new stadium that would require taxpayer money; a car on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit; an independent marketing agreement with the NFL; not to mention the most suites of any NFL stadium (381). Although ticket manager Joel Finglass has somehow worked to sell out 104 straight home games, he probably wasn't making any promises for next season. Now, he can.

Jones acknowledged that Parcells has the power to hire and fire assistant coaches and will have a say in all personnel decisions. Jones was asked if Parcells would have final say in those areas.

Jones paused a moment before saying, "Again, this is a partnership basis. ... His input into a personnel decision is going to be a major input."

What drove Jones to bring in Parcells for more than $4 million per year after paying coaches no more than $1 million per year in the past? What does it say about Jones and his ability to share the spotlight?

The player whom Jones calls the "heart and soul" of his three Super Bowl winners in the 1990s, Michael Irvin, had a thought about that after attending Thursday's news conference.

"I think what Jerry understands is, 'If I had a whole bunch of talent, then I can put any coach in there,' " Irvin said. " 'But if I don't have a whole bunch of talent, I better get me a coach with a whole bunch of talent.' That's what it says."

Those who work at Valley Ranch say Jones has looked relieved - like the one who had fun and enjoyed NFL life with Johnson - since hiring Parcells. But Stephen Jones said his dad wouldn't feel satisfied any time soon.

"I don't think there will be weights lifted off the organization until we win," Stephen Jones said.

That leads us back to the hiring of Parcells out of fear. The answer came when Jones was asked if he needed a coach players fear.

"I think it's my greatest motivating factor - fear," Jones said. "Bill asked me, 'Why do you want to do this?' and I recall telling him - fear. I want this great franchise to have every opportunity it can to succeed."

Huh? You mean JJ is going to change his attitude? Yeah, right ! When pigs fly.....

Jones acknowledged that Parcells has the power to hire and fire assistant coaches and will have a say in all personnel decisions. Jones was asked if Parcells would have final say in those areas.
Jones paused a moment before saying, "Again, this is a partnership basis. ... His input into a personnel decision is going to be a major input."

In other words, NO?.....

It's always about ME !

a car on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit

Great! That's what I need. Jerry's grubby little hands in my second favorite sport too.

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