Garrett, the offensive coordinator, will become the interim head coach, while Pasqualoni, the defensive line coach, will take over Phillips' former duties as defensive coordinator.
WADE PHILLIPS OUT: Jerry Jones said he was in denial about need to change
COACH'S STATEMENT: Thanks Cowboys for chance to coach team
Team owner Jerry Jones said Garrett has his "full support" as the Cowboys try to start over on a season that has gone horribly wrong in a 1-7 start.
Jones said he wants to create a culture change on the Cowboys, and he said Garrett's "temperament" is well-suited for that. Garrett is not known for the friendly, laid-back style that Phillips has.
"His style," Jones said of Garrett, "is one that I think can be real effective."
Pasqualoni was hired in January to run the defensive line.
Garrett is only the interim head coach, and the Cowboys would likely have to satisfy the NFL's Rooney Rule requirements (that mandate teams to interview minority candidates) before naming a full-time head coach. But Jones said that Garrett is a contender to stay with the Cowboys if he's pleased with the second-half performance.
"He does have the opportunity to get the job long-term," Jones said.
The owner said all players and coaches should feel urgency to perform at a high level and win immediately. Firing Phillips, whom Jones expressed admiration for personally, was a sign of how much action he's willing to make.
"When I spoke to the team I talked about accountability," Jones said. "Because (Phillips' firing) was such a vivid example of someone we all thought a lot of that we're making a change with.
"Wade today is a vivid example of accountability."
-- Sean Leahy
(source:content.usatoday.com)
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