Part 7/10:
The Decline Begins
From 1996 to 2009, the Cowboys faced a post-dynasty era riddled with mediocrity. The once-mighty team struggled with inconsistencies while coaches came and went. Despite the arrival of notable figures like Bill Parcells, the organization struggled to regain the competitive edge they had enjoyed under Jones and Johnson.
Critics of Jones began to suggest that his relentless ambition and refusal to cede control were undermining the team’s chances for success. Key decisions, such as opting for safe draft picks over potentially transformative players, began to haunt the franchise.