Jimmy Johnson's Cowboys Exit: The Real Reasons Why

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The departure of Jimmy Johnson from the Dallas Cowboys remains one of the most talked-about events in NFL history. After leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories in 1992 and 1993, his sudden exit shocked the football world. But why did Jimmy Johnson leave the Cowboys?

A Clash of Egos

The primary reason for Johnson's departure boils down to a power struggle with Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones. While their partnership initially proved fruitful, tensions began to rise as both men sought control and credit for the team's success.

  • Jerry Jones' Desire for Control: Jones, never one to shy away from the spotlight, wanted to be seen as more than just the owner. He wanted to be recognized as a key architect of the Cowboys' dynasty.
  • Jimmy Johnson's Strong Personality: Johnson, a proven coach with a clear vision, wasn't willing to cede control over football operations. His strong personality often clashed with Jones' equally assertive nature.

"How many coaches could win a Super Bowl?" - Jerry Jones

This quote encapsulates the growing rift between the two. Jones' comment, implying Johnson's success was more about the players than coaching, fueled the fire. Johnson, understandably, took offense.

The Breaking Point

Several incidents contributed to the deterioration of their relationship. Public disagreements, disagreements over personnel decisions, and the constant jostling for media attention created an untenable environment.

Ultimately, the breaking point came after the 1993 season. Despite winning Super Bowl XXVIII, the tension was too much to bear. Jerry Jones essentially forced Johnson out, replacing him with Barry Switzer.

The Legacy

Jimmy Johnson's departure marked the end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys. While they won another Super Bowl under Switzer in 1995, the magic of the early '90s was gone. Johnson went on to coach the Miami Dolphins, but never achieved the same level of success.

What if Jimmy Stayed?

It's a question that Cowboys fans have pondered for decades. Would the Cowboys have won more Super Bowls? Could the dynasty have continued? While we'll never know for sure, one thing is clear: the clash between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson cost the Cowboys a chance at sustained dominance.

Explore More:

  • Read more about the Cowboys' history [here](Insert link to a relevant, high-quality external resource about the Dallas Cowboys history).
  • Check out Jimmy Johnson's coaching record [here](Insert link to Jimmy Johnson's coaching record on a reputable sports site like ESPN or NFL.com).

In Conclusion:

The reasons for Jimmy Johnson's departure from the Cowboys were complex, but ultimately stemmed from a power struggle with Jerry Jones. A clash of egos, a desire for control, and a series of disagreements led to the end of one of the most successful coach-owner relationships in NFL history. The Cowboys moved on, but the "what ifs" continue to linger in the minds of fans.