I came across this list of key moments in the Jerry Jones era while reading the Star-Telegram and thought I’d share it here. Overall, it’s a good history of the impact Jones has had on the team, however I think it’s a little light. I would have included the Emmit Smith and Michael Irvin acquisitions to name a couple.
Feb. 25, 1989: Jones buys Cowboys Arkansas oilman Jerry Jones buys America’s Team and the lease rights to Texas Stadium. He also announces that University of Miami coach Jimmy Johnson will replace the legendary Tom Landry.
April 18, 1989: Sale approved, Schramm resigns NFL owners OK the sale of Cowboys to Jones. Longtime president Tex Schramm resigns after 29 years with the team to become president of the World League of American Football.
April 20, 1989: Aikman signs The Cowboys, holding the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft for only the second time in their history, announce the signing of UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman to a six-year contract.
Oct. 13, 1989: Herschel Walker trade In the largest trade in NFL history, 18 players and/or draft choices are involved when the Cowboys trade Walker to the Vikings.
Jan. 17, 1993: Cowboys upset 49ers for NFC title The Jones-Johnson rebuilding project leads to a 30-20 victory in San Francisco for Dallas’ first Super Bowl berth since 1978.
Jan. 31, 1993: Cowboys win Super Bowl XXXVII Troy Aikman throws four touchdown passes to lead the Cowboys to a 52-17 win over Buffalo and earns the game’s Most Valuable Player award. It’s Dallas’ first NFL title since 1977.
Jan. 2, 1994: Smith leads team to 1993 NFC East title Playing the second half with a separated shoulder, Emmitt Smith leads the Cowboys to a 13-10 overtime win over the Giants in the Meadowlands with NFC home-field advantage on the line.
Jan. 30, 1994: Cowboys repeat as Super Bowl champs Smith rushes for 132 yards and two second-half touchdowns as Dallas rallies to beat Buffalo 30-13 in Super Bowl XXVIII. Smith is the game’s MVP.
March 29, 1994: So long, Jimmy Jimmy Johnson surprisingly steps down as coach of the Cowboys after his relationship with Jones deteriorates.
March 30, 1994: Hello, Barry Barry Switzer becomes the third head coach in team history, replacing Johnson. It’s the longtime University of Oklahoma coach’s first NFL job.
Sept. 9, 1995: Deion Sanders signs Flashy and flamboyant defensive back Deion “Prime Time” Sanders signs a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Cowboys, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
Jan. 28, 1996: Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX The Cowboys become the first team to win three Super Bowls in four seasons with a 27-17 victory over Pittsburgh. Cornerback Larry Brown has two interceptions and is voted MVP.
Jan. 5, 1997: Cowboys lose to Panthers in divisional playoffs The Cowboys beat the Vikings in the wild-card round before losing 26-17 at Carolina. Jones’ team hasn’t won a playoff game since.
Jan. 9, 1998: Jones fires Switzer Discord between Switzer and Aikman plays a role in Switzer’s departure after four seasons despite a 45-26 overall record and one Super Bowl title.
Feb. 12, 1998: Jones hires Gailey Steelers offensive coordinator Chan Gailey becomes the Cowboys’ fourth head coach. His teams go 18-14 in two seasons, but fail to win in two playoff appearances.
Jan. 26, 2000: Jones promotes Campo After the departure of Gailey, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Campo becomes head coach. He lasts three seasons, going 5-11 in each of them.
Jan. 2, 2003: Jones hires Parcells Two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Parcells is brought in amid much national fanfare to turn the struggling franchise around.
Nov. 2, 2004: Arlington voters approve Cowboys’ new stadium A referendum to use public funding to finance a portion of the team’s new home passes with 55 percent of the vote.
March 19, 2006: Jones signs T.O. Controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens joins the Cowboys.
Feb. 8, 2007: Wade arrives Following Parcells’ resignation as coach, Chargers defensive coordinator and longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips becomes the Cowboys’ seventh head coach.