Jerry Jones is known for standing by his decisions, whether they turn out to be triumphs or missteps. But occasionally, the Dallas Cowboys’ owner takes a step back and reflects on a choice he regrets. During his weekly segment on Shan & RJ on Audacy’s 105.3 The Fan, Jones revisited a pivotal decision from 14 years ago that still weighs on him today.
The conversation started with a familiar name: Derrick Henry. With Henry putting on a dominant performance for the Baltimore Ravens against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fans couldn’t help but wonder why the Cowboys never pursued the four-time Pro Bowler. Jones reiterated that salary cap concerns were behind the decision, but many fans remain unconvinced, feeling the team missed a golden opportunity.
The Cowboys’ conservative approach in recent offseasons has puzzled fans. While re-signing Ezekiel Elliott was a notable move, many argue that Dallas needed a more aggressive approach—especially when a talent like Henry was available. But Jones doesn’t express regret over these more recent choices, including the trade for backup quarterback Trey Lance or the decision to move on from star receiver Amari Cooper. Instead, his thoughts turned to a decision made years ago.
During the interview, Jones reflected on his firing of head coach Wade Phillips in 2010—a move he now admits he regrets. Phillips, who went on to help the Denver Broncos win a Super Bowl as their defensive coordinator, was let go mid-season, marking the only time Jones has made an in-season coaching change since buying the Cowboys in 1989.
Replacing Phillips with Jason Garrett, Dallas finished the season strong, and Garrett held the head coaching position until 2019, when Mike McCarthy took over. But Phillips’ later success with the Broncos added a sting to the memory for Jones, as he acknowledged the impact Phillips had elsewhere after his departure from Dallas.
While Jones’ reflection on the past offers a rare glimpse of vulnerability, it left many fans wondering when the Cowboys’ leadership will start addressing the current issues facing the team. With Dallas sitting at 3-3, fans are eager for answers on what’s being done to improve the roster now—not just a look back at past regrets.
Jones reassured listeners that there won’t be any mid-season coaching changes in 2024, meaning McCarthy’s job is safe for now. But as the season progresses, Cowboys fans will continue to watch closely, hoping the team can move forward without repeating mistakes of the past.
