Why did Jimmy Johnson leave the Cowboys?

The departure of Jimmy Johnson from the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 marked the end of a remarkable era with America’s team. His role as the head coach was pivotal in the team’s two Super Bowl victories in XXVII and XXVIII. However, his unexpected departure was reportedly due to ongoing issues with the owner and general manager, Jerry Jones.

After leaving shortly following the team’s triumph in Super Bowl XXVIII, it became clear that frequent disagreements with Jones led to an amicable departure. Despite starting as friends with mutual respect, their egos eventually clashed, with Jones seeking full credit for the team’s success, a demand Johnson was not willing to accept.

Despite the team’s success, disputes and disagreements over personnel choices and power balance within the organization led to Johnson’s resignation as Cowboys head coach in March 1994. This decision marked the end of the Johnson and Jones period in Dallas, with the Cowboys subsequently hiring Barry Switzer as the new head coach.

Johnson’s coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1993 transformed the team from a league laughingstock to a perennial Super Bowl winner. His prior collegiate success and coaching achievements made him a highly regarded figure in the football community.

Following his departure from the Cowboys, Johnson went on to coach the Miami Dolphins in 1996 with much anticipation, but his tenure fell short of expectations. Despite inheriting one of the best offenses in the NFL, his winning percentage in Miami was 55.3%, leading to his resignation in 1999 and subsequent retirement from coaching.