Dallas Cowboys Start Offseason By Keeping Wade Phillips

It didn't take Jerry Jones long to make a decision on whether to keep Wade Phillips as he told reporters today that Phillips will be retained as the Cowboys coach. However, it is unknown if Jones will exercise Phillips' one year option or sign him to a longer deal.

With a lockout possible in 2011, the Cowboys could sign Phillips to a two-year deal, ensuring that if there is a lockout and it ends before the season does, they have a staff in place for a short season.

Phillips guided the Cowboys to an 11-5 record this season after trading wins and losses for the first four weeks. He guided the Cowboys to four wins in a row between October and November, taking advantage of a soft section of their schedule.

However, it was the win against New Orleans and the two wins against Philadelphia that really saved his job, along with getting the Cowboys out of their December slump. 

Overall, Phillips' work has been good. He's 33-13 as the Cowboys coach with two division titles and a playoff win and a winning record in all three seasons.

Phillips has also improved the defense since he took over. The Cowboys led the league in sacks last year and were seventh this season and the secondary has improved by leaps and bounds from the days of Pete Hunter, Mario Dixon and Lynn Scott.

Phillips did say he would get tougher on his players this season, and while there's very little evidence that he did so, he was able to make them believe in him and they stood up for him when everyone else doubted his ability.

However, if the Cowboys have a down season next year don't think Jones won't give Bill Cowher a call. Jerry Jones is impatient and while the Cowboys reached a new level this season, another blowout playoff loss won't be tolerated next season.