“I Think It’s Time to Do Things Right”: Raised Questions as Jerry Jones Decisively Reflects on the Future of the Dallas Cowboys

When Jerry Jones, the iconic owner of the Dallas Cowboys, says, “I think it’s time to do things right,” it sends a ripple of curiosity and intrigue through the NFL world. Over the years, Jones has been both praised for his business acumen and criticized for his hands-on management style. His comment opens the door to numerous questions regarding the future of the Cowboys: What exactly does he mean by “doing things right”? Does this signal a shift in the franchise’s approach? Could this moment be a turning point for the team, which has long been mired in underachievement despite immense resources and expectations?

Jones’ statement comes after several years of disappointment. The Cowboys, often lauded for their talented rosters, have failed to reach the level of success that their fanbase expects, particularly given their star power and financial might. The phrase itself seems to signal a reflection on the team’s current state, and the possibility of change within the organization. But what kind of change are we looking at? The Dallas Cowboys are a storied franchise with a history of success and failure, and Jones’ admission that it’s “time to do things right” could be a hint that he’s ready to address the long-standing issues that have held the team back.

Jerry Jones’ Leadership: A History of Hands-On Control

To understand the weight of Jones’ statement, one must first consider his leadership style. Since purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jerry Jones has been intimately involved in the team’s operations. He is not just the owner; he is the general manager and often has the final say on major decisions related to player acquisitions, contracts, and coaching hires. This level of hands-on involvement has been both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it has allowed Jones to maintain a strong vision for the team, and his commitment to building a successful brand has been evident. On the other hand, many argue that his over-involvement has led to poor decision-making, particularly when it comes to team-building and organizational structure.

Jones has famously fired head coaches when things don’t go according to plan, most notably with the dismissal of Tom Landry in 1989, and later the firing of Bill Parcells. His tight grip on team operations has often led to accusations that he stifles the ability of his coaches and front-office personnel to execute their jobs without interference. For example, there has been ongoing speculation about whether Jones’ penchant for being involved in drafting and scouting players has been detrimental to the Cowboys’ ability to consistently build championship-caliber teams.

In light of his leadership style, Jones’ comment that “it’s time to do things right” seems significant. It suggests that he may be acknowledging that his approach, one in which he takes center stage in all major decisions, could be part of the reason the Cowboys have failed to win a Super Bowl since 1995. But does this mean that Jones is ready to relinquish control or make substantial changes to the way the Cowboys are run? The implications of this statement could be profound.

Coaching and Front Office Changes?

One of the immediate areas that many will focus on is the potential for changes to the coaching staff or front office. Over the years, the Cowboys have had their share of head coaches, but no one has been able to consistently take the team over the top. Mike McCarthy, the current head coach, has brought some stability and regular-season success to the Cowboys, but postseason results have remained disappointing. The Cowboys’ inability to reach the NFC Championship Game, let alone the Super Bowl, has raised questions about whether McCarthy is the right fit for the team, despite his pedigree.

Jones has always had a hand in hiring and firing coaches, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue to back McCarthy or opt for a new direction. McCarthy’s coaching decisions, particularly in high-pressure playoff games, have come under scrutiny. Jones may very well see “doing things right” as a way to reassess the coaching staff, whether that means sticking with McCarthy or seeking a fresh face with a different approach. If Jones is willing to make a change, it would signify a major shift in his philosophy — one where he allows someone else to make decisions without his direct involvement.

In addition to the coaching staff, Jones’ comment could signal a reorganization within the front office. The Cowboys have historically been a team with resources, yet they have often struggled to hit on key draft picks or find the right players to fill important roles. Under Jones’ leadership, the team’s roster has been a mix of high-profile signings and puzzling misses. If Jones is indeed acknowledging the need to “do things right,” he may consider restructuring his scouting department, hiring a more competent general manager, or placing more trust in the front office to manage the roster without excessive interference.

Changing the Cowboys’ Culture

Beyond specific coaching or personnel moves, the statement might suggest a broader desire to shift the organizational culture. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, and they have long been a media sensation. With the brand of “America’s Team” comes an immense amount of scrutiny, and with scrutiny comes pressure. Yet, despite the franchise’s global recognition and star power, the Cowboys have consistently underperformed on the big stage.

Jones himself has often been seen as a larger-than-life figure, as much a celebrity as an owner. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ brand has become synonymous with glamour, high-profile players, and off-the-field drama. However, this emphasis on brand and image has occasionally come at the expense of building a team with the right mix of grit and talent. The Cowboys’ inability to win in the postseason has often been attributed to a culture that prioritizes external appearances over internal cohesion and hard-nosed football.

If Jones is truly serious about “doing things right,” it could mean that he is acknowledging the need for a cultural shift within the organization. This could entail a return to focusing on fundamentals, discipline, and team-first mentality. It could also mean stripping away some of the distractions and noise surrounding the Cowboys’ brand and refocusing the team on the goal of winning a championship.

The Cowboys’ Fanbase and the Pressure of Expectations

The pressure on Jones is not just internal but also external. The Cowboys have one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in the world, and their expectations are sky-high. The phrase “doing things right” could very well be Jones’ response to a growing sense of frustration among fans, who have seen the team fail to meet expectations year after year.

Jones has always been acutely aware of his fanbase’s desires and the weight of their expectations. “America’s Team” is supposed to be more than just a brand; it’s meant to be a winner. If Jones is trying to quiet the growing discontent, it might indicate that he understands the stakes of the upcoming seasons. He may be signaling to fans that he is committed to making the changes necessary to bring the Cowboys back into contention for a Super Bowl.

The Question of Jones’ Own Legacy

Lastly, one must consider the larger question of Jones’ own legacy. He has been the owner of the Cowboys for over three decades, and his tenure has been marked by both success and failure. He is the man who brought the Cowboys into the modern era with a new stadium and an empire-like brand. However, without a Super Bowl victory in nearly three decades, his legacy will always be marred by a sense of underachievement.

“I think it’s time to do things right” could be Jones’ way of coming to terms with the fact that his legacy is in jeopardy unless real changes are made. It could be a moment of clarity for the 81-year-old owner, who realizes that in order to secure his place in NFL history, he must shift the course of the Cowboys’ fortunes.

Conclusion

Jerry Jones’ statement, “I think it’s time to do things right,” raises more questions than answers. Is this the start of a new chapter for the Dallas Cowboys, one in which Jones steps back and allows others to take the reins? Will changes be made to the coaching staff, the front office, or the organizational culture? Or is it merely a moment of introspection, a rhetorical response to external criticism?

The true implications of Jones’ words won’t be clear until concrete actions follow. If Jerry Jones is ready to make changes — whether in leadership, strategy, or culture — it could be the moment that the Cowboys finally return to greatness. But if his statement is little more than a gesture, the Cowboys will continue to face the same struggles that have plagued them for nearly three decades. Time will tell if Jones is truly ready to “do things right” or if the Cowboys will remain stuck in the cycle of potential without fulfillment.