Jerry Jones: Coaching Change “Something I Was Reluctant to Even Consider”

A somber Jerry Jones addressed the media Monday afternoon, just hours after head coach Wade Phillips was fired, and replaced by offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Jones described the decision as difficult, but added that a change was in the best interest of the organization and its fans.

“We're grateful for Wade and his contributions to the Cowboys, leading us to two division titles in his first three seasons with the club,” Jones said. “An in-season coaching change is something that I have not done before. It's something that I was reluctant to even consider as late as this past week.

“I recently addressed the team and my comments with them were very brief and pointed,” Jones said. “I told them that they should not think, for even a second, that this is in any way an admission of defeat or finality for this season. I told them that we have 8 games remaining and we were going to each game with one goal, to win.”

At 1-7, Dallas is off to their worst start since 1989--when the team went 1-15--and few would be so shortsighted as to believe that the installation of Garrett as head coach will provide an immediate turnaround for the team. As for the players, many expressed a feeling of responsibility when asked about Phillips’ firing on Monday.

“I’m just kind of in shock right now, because obviously the reason he lost his job is because of our performance on the field wins and losses dictate that,” said kicker David Buehler. “It’s tough when a guy you respect so much and rally around, and he’s gone the next day.”

At 5 p.m., former head coach Wade Phillips released a statement to the media where he said the following:

“I told the team today that I have been proud to be a part of their family, and that will never change.  I have enjoyed the privilege and responsibility of representing this franchise as its head coach."

See Phillips' entire statement here.

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