The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in the National Football League (NFL), have a rich history that spans over six decades. Since their inception in 1960, the team has had a total of nine head coaches, each leaving their unique mark on the organization. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the history of the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaches, exploring their achievements, challenges, and contributions to the team’s legacy.
Initially, the Cowboys were led by Tom Landry, who served as the team’s first head coach from 1960 to 1988. Landry’s tenure was marked by incredible success, including two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII) and five NFL championships. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, known for his innovative strategies and ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the sport.
Following Landry’s departure, the Cowboys hired Jimmy Johnson, who coached the team from 1989 to 1993. Johnson’s tenure was marked by a remarkable turnaround, as he led the team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins (XXVII and XXVIII) and established a culture of excellence within the organization. His emphasis on discipline, hard work, and smart personnel decisions helped shape the team into a dominant force in the NFL.
After Johnson’s departure, the Cowboys hired Barry Switzer, who coached the team from 1994 to 1997. Switzer’s tenure was marked by some successful seasons, including a trip to the NFC Championship game in 1995. However, his coaching style and personnel decisions were often criticized, and he ultimately failed to replicate the success of his predecessors.
In 1998, the Cowboys hired Chan Gailey, who coached the team for two seasons. Gailey’s tenure was marked by some promising moments, but ultimately, he was unable to lead the team to a playoff victory. His departure paved the way for Dave Campo, who coached the team from 2000 to 2002. Campo’s tenure was marked by some difficult seasons, and he ultimately failed to meet the high expectations of the organization.
The hiring of Bill Parcells in 2003 marked a significant turning point for the Cowboys. Parcells, a seasoned coach with a reputation for building winning teams, brought a sense of discipline and accountability to the organization. During his four-year tenure, the Cowboys experienced some successful seasons, including a trip to the playoffs in 2003. However, Parcells ultimately decided to retire, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family.
In 2007, the Cowboys hired Wade Phillips, who coached the team for three seasons. Phillips’ tenure was marked by some successful regular seasons, but he ultimately failed to lead the team to a playoff victory. His departure paved the way for Jason Garrett, who served as the team’s head coach from 2010 to 2019. Garrett’s tenure was marked by some successful seasons, including a trip to the playoffs in 2014 and 2018. However, he ultimately failed to lead the team to a Super Bowl victory, and his contract was not renewed following the 2019 season.
In 2020, the Cowboys hired Mike McCarthy, a seasoned coach with a reputation for building winning teams. McCarthy’s tenure is still in its early stages, but he has already made a significant impact on the organization. With a strong emphasis on discipline, hard work, and smart personnel decisions, McCarthy is poised to lead the Cowboys back to prominence in the NFL.
Throughout their history, the Dallas Cowboys have been fortunate to have had some truly exceptional head coaches. From Tom Landry’s innovative strategies to Jimmy Johnson’s emphasis on discipline and hard work, each coach has brought their unique perspective and approach to the team. As the Cowboys continue to evolve and grow, it will be fascinating to see how their current coach, Mike McCarthy, shapes the team’s future and contributes to its rich legacy.
Historical Timeline of Dallas Cowboys Head Coaches
- Tom Landry (1960-1988)
- Jimmy Johnson (1989-1993)
- Barry Switzer (1994-1997)
- Chan Gailey (1998-1999)
- Dave Campo (2000-2002)
- Bill Parcells (2003-2006)
- Wade Phillips (2007-2010)
- Jason Garrett (2010-2019)
- Mike McCarthy (2020-present)
Notable Achievements and Awards
- Super Bowl VI Champions (1971)
- Super Bowl XII Champions (1977)
- Super Bowl XXVII Champions (1992)
- Super Bowl XXVIII Champions (1993)
- 5 NFL Championships (1966, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1992)
- 24 Playoff Appearances
- 14 Division Championships
FAQs
Who was the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?
+Tom Landry was the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, serving from 1960 to 1988.
How many Super Bowl wins do the Dallas Cowboys have?
+The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls: VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.
Who is the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?
+Mike McCarthy is the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, hired in 2020.
How many playoff appearances have the Dallas Cowboys made?
+The Dallas Cowboys have made 24 playoff appearances throughout their history.
What is the name of the stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play their home games?
+The Dallas Cowboys play their home games at AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas.
As we conclude our comprehensive overview of the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaches, it is clear that the team has a rich and storied history. From Tom Landry’s innovative strategies to Mike McCarthy’s emphasis on discipline and hard work, each coach has left their unique mark on the organization. As the Cowboys continue to evolve and grow, it will be fascinating to see how their current coach shapes the team’s future and contributes to its legacy.
