Barry Switzer moved today into the same office at Valley Ranch where Jimmy Johnson had once replaced Tom Landry, hoping he has as many Super Bowl trophies in his future as they did.
The first priority for the former Oklahoma coach was to meet players on the roster of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, including such free agents as center Mark Stepnoski, fullback Daryl Johnston, wide receiver Alvin Harper and offensive linemen Nate Newton and Kevin Gogan.The second priority is to familiarize himself with the NFL, where he's never coached.
"There's a lot going on and the draft is on April 24," Switzer said. "I'm going to try to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can."
Switzer said he was "tanned, rested and ready" after five years away from football. He faces a challenge of matching two Super Bowls won by both Johnson and Landry.
Switzer said he plans to do it Johnson's way.
"There won't be any changes," said the 56-year-old Switzer. "I hope the Cowboys don't change. Jimmy and I are a lot alike. We've always been motivated and able to communicate to our teams. I just hope I can be compared to what Jimmy did."
He'll also be cashing checks similar to the one's Johnson got. Switzer signed a five-year, $5 million deal that includes an annual "five-year rollover" clause allowing him to renegotiate and possibly extend his term, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in its Thursday editions.
Switzer, in one of his Sooner pep rally moods, said, "I've been watching the Super Bowl and wishing I was there. I want to be there, baby. I want to take this bunch there. Just give us a little time to get it together."
With that he grabbed owner Jerry Jones around the shoulders and shook him.
Jones, who played under Switzer as a freshman at Arkansas, didn't divulge the details of his contract other than to say, "I'm very committed to Barry Switzer."
Switzer will retain every coach on Johnson's staff, including offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese and defensive coordinator Butch Davis.
When Jones mentioned Switzer's name in a bar during a tirade against Johnson at Orlando, Fla., last week, it infuriated Johnson to the point of seeking a break from Jones.
Johnson visited Valley Ranch early Wednesday, then left, leaving the packing to secretary Barbara Goodman.
Switzer gave his pledge of allegiance to Jones, who has felt he hasn't been given enough credit for the two Super Bowl titles.
`I give my commitment of loyalty, excellence and commitment to make it the best," said Switzer, looking Jones in the eye.
Jones said: "I feel we have one of the most talented teams that there is the NFL, if not the most talented team, and one of the best that has ever been put together. I feel very confident that the continuity can be kept in place and be motivated with the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Barry Switzer."
There were mixed reactions from the players, but running back Emmitt Smith and quarterback Troy Aikman signed on with Switzer.
"I think Barry is an outstanding coach and the transition should be smooth," said Aikman, who played one year for Switzer at Oklahoma before going to UCLA because the Sooners wouldn't pass. "I believe he will do a good job. He's keeping the same staff. We're keeping the same offense and defense. I think we'll be comfortable with what he's trying to do."
Aikman said he felt grateful to Switzer in college because "he was very helpful getting me to a university (UCLA) to do what I do best."
Aikman transferred to UCLA in 1985 and later became the Cowboy's No. 1 draft pick.
Smith, who had said on Saturday "if you fire Jimmy, you fire me," had calmed down after talking to Johnson.
"I talked to Jimmy and he was very positive and upbeat," Smith said. "He said Jerry treated him well with his contract. If Jimmy is satisfied, I'm satisfied."