NFL Rumors: Is Wade Phillips on the Hot Seat?

When Jerry Jones is the owner of the team, the head coach is always on the hot seat. Even when the Dallas Cowboys signed Wade Phillips to a two-year extension this past winter, Jones would not guarantee his commitment to Phillips.    

After the Cowboys first loss, the volatile owner commented that he was shocked, but also stated mitigating factors for the poor play. However, 0-3 is a lot different than 0-1. What if Dallas, a team that most picked to at least win their division, does not recover from the bad start?  

What would it take for Jerry Jones to make a coaching change mid-season?

In an interview with KRLD-FM Dallas today, Jerry Jones said, "I can just give you a very affirmative no," in response to a question asking the owner whether or not he had lost confidence in Wade Phillips. Jones also stated that Phillips will not be fired if the Cowboys were to lose Sunday and attempted to reaffirm his commitment.  

Maybe Jones is trying to change his ways, but I doubt it. If Phillips makes it through the next two years he would be the longest tenured coach of the Jerry Jones era.  

Despite the owner's statements, there is little doubt that Phillips' job is in serious trouble if the Cowboys fall to the Texans. Here are a few scenarios that might lead to the end of the Wade Phillips’ era in Dallas.   

The Dallas Cowboys Lose This Week Against the Houston Texans

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IRVING, TX - FEBRUARY 08: Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys speaks with the media during a press conference for Wade Phillips on February 8, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Not only would a loss to the Houston Texans lead to a 0-3 record for the Cowboys, but it will also result in much embarrassment for the preeminent owner of the NFL.  

The undefeated Texans would suddenly be anointed a Super Bowl Cinderella by the national media. It is easy to imagine how furious Jones would be if the the "other team" in Texas played in a home state Super Bowl.     

During the Week 4 bye, with no game to focus on, there will be constant speculation about the job security of the coaching staff. If you were going to make a coaching change, the best time to do it would be during the bye week when the team has two weeks to adjust.    

If the Cowboys lose this Sunday, don’t be surprised if Wade Phillips is fired the following Monday or Tuesday.  

Should All the Blame Be Placed on Phillips?

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DALLAS - NOVEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys before a game with the New York Jets at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2007 in Irving, Texas (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Wade Phillips is a defensive minded coach, and to be fair, the Dallas defense has been above average the first two weeks. Lets be honest, the Cowboy's offense has been down right putrid.    

Yes the Cowboys allowed 27 points against the Bears last Sunday, but it was not as bad as it appeared. The defense allowed just over 300 yards of total offense. Also, the offense turned the ball over three times, often giving the Chicago great field position.

In week one the defense only allowed six points. If it was not for a terrible decision made by Tashard Choice (or maybe Wade Phillips/Jason Garrett), the Cowboys would of won the game. 

Once rumored to be the head coach in-waiting, Jason Garret has not lived up to his reputation as the "redheaded genius." The playing calling has been questionable at best. With three above average running backs, a great tight end, and two dangerous wide receivers, Dallas is too talented to be a sub-500 team. 

Jerry Jones has publicly stated that he would not fire Wade Phillips if the 'Boys lose to the Texans. However, Jason Garret may not be so lucky.  

Cowboys Rally Against the Texans, But Trouble Lies Ahead

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Wade Phillips of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during a 27-20 loss against the Chicago Bears at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Say that the Dallas Cowboys do defeat the Houston Texans this Sunday, a very tough road still lies ahead. Many experts thought Dallas would win their first two games. Well they didn't, and now they are in trouble.   

Take a look at their upcoming games (week four is bye week): 

vs. Titans, at Vikings, vs. Giants, vs. Jaguars, at Packers, at Giants, vs. Lions, vs. Saints, at Colts, vs. Eagles, vs. Redskins, at Cardinals, at Eagles

I can reasonable foresee a 6-6 record with four games to go.    

Somewhere along the way the Cowboys may lose three games in a row (Saints, Colts, Eagles?), and if they do, Wade Phillips will not be around for the fourth game.

Wade Phillips' Survival Guide to the 2010 NFL Season

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Wade Phillips of the Dallas Cowboys walks on the sidelines during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 27, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Win, win convincingly, and win again. If Wade wants to survive the rest of this season he must win this game and continue to win. 

It makes too much sense to fire the head coach during the bye week for Jerry Jones not to do it. I’m sure that the owner already has a short list of emergency replacements.    

Expect to see a very animated Wade Phillips on the sideline this week, as this game means everything to Phillips. It will be interesting to see how the team reacts. Will they go out there and fight for their coach? Or will their play be evidence that the team is ready for a change? 

Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans; SUN 1:00 PM.