Troy Aikman Criticizes Cowboys’ Ownership for Hindering Coaches, Says Job Isn’t “Coveted” Anymore

In a candid moment during a Monday Night Football broadcast, Troy Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback and former leader of the Dallas Cowboys, made a bold statement about the current state of the franchise. Aikman, who won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s under legendary coach Jimmy Johnson, didn’t hold back when discussing the challenges facing the team’s leadership. He pointed out a critical issue, one that many Dallas fans have long suspected: the Cowboys’ ownership, led by Jerry Jones, has consistently failed to empower their head coaches. Aikman even went as far as to suggest that the Cowboys’ head coaching job, once one of the most prestigious in football, is no longer “coveted” the way it used to be.

These comments were particularly poignant given Aikman’s unique position within the Cowboys’ organization. As the team’s star quarterback during their dynasty years, Aikman’s insight into the inner workings of the Cowboys is invaluable. His perspective, especially considering his close ties to both the franchise and its past glory, carries significant weight.

Aikman’s Criticism of Cowboys’ Ownership

Aikman’s remarks about the Cowboys’ ownership structure are rooted in his belief that Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager, has had a detrimental effect on the team’s ability to succeed consistently. While Jones has made the Cowboys one of the most financially successful sports franchises in the world, Aikman argues that this success has come at the expense of the team’s football operations. Specifically, Aikman feels that Jones’ hands-on approach to the team’s decisions has undermined the authority of the head coach, preventing them from fully implementing their vision and strategy.

“The issue is the ownership doesn’t empower the Dallas Cowboys head coach,” Aikman said during the broadcast. “And that’s been missing since Jimmy Johnson walked out the door.” For those familiar with the Cowboys’ history, this reference to Jimmy Johnson holds considerable weight. Johnson, who coached the Cowboys from 1989 to 1993, was the architect behind the team’s Super Bowl victories and the successful roster built around Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. Johnson’s ability to shape the team, with full control over football operations, was a major factor in the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s. His departure in 1994, after a falling out with Jerry Jones, marked the beginning of the Cowboys’ struggle to maintain the same level of dominance.

Aikman’s point is that since Johnson’s departure, no head coach has had the same level of control or authority to operate as they see fit. While coaches like Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, and Bill Parcells have all had varying degrees of success, none of them were truly able to replicate the sustained success that the Cowboys enjoyed under Johnson. The general theme among these coaching stints has been that Jones, while well-intentioned, interfered with key decisions, often in ways that prevented the coach from achieving their vision for the team.

The Cowboys’ Coaching Job: Once Coveted, Now a Challenge

In addition to criticizing the ownership structure, Aikman also pointed out that the Cowboys’ head coaching position, once one of the most sought-after jobs in the NFL, is no longer viewed in the same light. He stated, “The Cowboys coaching job isn’t ‘coveted’ like it was at one time.” For decades, being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys was considered the pinnacle of success for an NFL coach. The team had a rich history, a passionate fan base, and the resources to compete for championships year in and year out.

But over the last two decades, the Cowboys have been mired in mediocrity. Despite consistently having talented rosters, the team has been unable to break through in the playoffs. The Cowboys have made the postseason several times but have often failed to advance deep into the playoffs, with their last Super Bowl appearance coming in 1995. The lack of sustained success has led many to question the team’s leadership, and it seems Aikman is echoing that sentiment.

The Cowboys’ job, once viewed as a launchpad for coaching greatness, is now seen by some as a position fraught with challenges. The constant scrutiny, the media circus surrounding Jones’ involvement, and the high expectations from fans have made the job less attractive to many top-tier candidates. This has become increasingly evident as the Cowboys have gone through a series of head coaches over the years. From the highly respected Parcells to current head coach Mike McCarthy, none of the men tasked with leading the team have been able to deliver the success that fans expect.

Aikman’s comment highlights a significant shift in the NFL landscape. The Cowboys, despite being one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, are no longer viewed as an automatic contender or as the dream job that they once were. Instead, the challenges that come with Jerry Jones’ involvement in the decision-making process have created an environment where top coaches may hesitate to take on the role.

The Bigger Picture: Ownership’s Role in the Cowboys’ Struggles

For years, the criticism of the Cowboys has centered around Jerry Jones’ ownership style. While he has undoubtedly made the Cowboys a financial powerhouse, his approach to running the team has often been criticized for interfering with the football side of the operation. As both owner and general manager, Jones wields significant influence over the team’s decisions, often involving himself in player acquisitions, roster decisions, and even coaching matters. Many have argued that this level of interference has been detrimental to the team’s success.

Aikman’s criticism of Jones is not new, and it reflects the frustrations of many fans and analysts who believe that the Cowboys’ inability to sustain championship-level success stems from Jones’ refusal to delegate authority to the football experts he hires. The idea that a coach should have full control over the team’s operations in order to be successful is a common refrain among critics, and Aikman’s words align with this sentiment.

Jones’ reluctance to let go of the reins and fully empower his coaches has created a toxic environment for many of the head coaches that have come and gone over the years. It is difficult to lead a team to success when the person at the top is constantly second-guessing decisions or pulling the strings behind the scenes. This has led to frustration among coaches and players alike, with many feeling as though their efforts are undermined by the constant meddling from ownership.

The Future of the Cowboys: A Way Forward?

While Aikman’s comments may be tough for Jerry Jones to hear, they serve as a much-needed reality check for the franchise. The Cowboys, with all of their resources and historical success, have been unable to recapture the glory days of the 1990s. The team remains a constant presence in the media, but the lack of playoff success and championship contention has left many fans disillusioned.

For the Cowboys to truly become Super Bowl contenders once again, it seems clear that a change in philosophy is needed. Aikman’s call for ownership to empower the head coach is not just a critique of Jones’ style; it is a call for action. Until Jerry Jones is willing to step back and allow his head coach to have full control over the football operations, the Cowboys will continue to experience the same cycle of disappointment year after year.

It is uncertain whether Jones will take Aikman’s advice to heart, but it is evident that the team’s current trajectory is unsustainable. The Cowboys are at a crossroads, and their success in the coming years may depend on whether they can find a way to break free from the constraints that have held them back for so long.

In the end, Aikman’s words resonate with Cowboys fans who have been waiting for their team to return to its championship-winning ways. As long as ownership continues to hinder the coaches and the football operations, the Cowboys will remain stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, unable to achieve the greatness that many believe they are capable of.