Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator has grown stronger in role

OXNARD, Calif. -- Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James didn’t hesitate, almost providing the answer before the question was asked.

Asked about the difference he’s seen in Brian Stewart in his second year as Cowboys defensive coordinator, James was blunt and to the point.

"He is in charge," James said. "Everybody is on the same page. He is more comfortable. It’s his show now."

And therein lies the dirty little secret that permeated the Cowboys coaching staff last season, despite the 13-3 record.

Stewart had understandable growing pains as a first-time coordinator, but he also had to overcome a staff that didn’t buy into his leadership and wanted his job.

"There were I lot things I had to overcome and reasons why I am more comfortable this year," said Stewart, who refused to chronicle last season’s staff struggles.

Still it was no secret within the walls of the Cowboys training complex. The situation was raggedy from the beginning -- starting with how he had to battle his way out of a contract in San Diego to take the job with the Cowboys.

As the Chargers secondary coach from 2004-2006, he had grown close to then defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. When Phillips was named coach of the Cowboys, he wanted to bring Stewart as his coordinator because he needed somebody he could trust to implement his philosophy.

Phillips and Stewart inherited three defensive coaches from Bill Parcells’ staff, including secondary coach Todd Bowles and linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni. Not only did Bowles interview for the head coaching job that Phillips got, but he and Pasqualoni were promised consideration for the defensive coordinator position.

"Stew and I are real close," Phillips said. "I think the world of him as a person and as a coach. He knows how much respect I have for him and how much leeway I give him. I listen to his ideas and he listens to mine. That’s why we work well together. That’s why I wanted him with me."

That Phillips and Stewart brought a different philosophy, strategy and more laid back approach to teaching the defense also added to the confusion for the players.

According to James, the defensive captain, the players who were used to Parcells’ in-your-face style were already looking funny at Stewart because of his softer approach. It didn’t help that he was being undermined by some coaches, who already had good relationships with the players.

It’s little surprise that rumors began to surface about Stewart’s competence as a defensive coordinator.

But that was last year. Bowles and Pasqualoni, along with defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, left for Miami in the off-season when former offensive line coach Tony Sparano was named head coach.

In their places are defensive line coach Todd Grantham, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and secondary coaches Dave Campo and Brett Maxie. Even though Grantham and Herring are former defensive coordinators and Campo is a former head coach, as James said earlier there’s no question that Stewart is in charge.

Phillips said he made it clear to his new coaches when they were hired that Stewart was the defensive coordinator.

"I think it was harder last year and some of them thought they might be the coordinator," Phillips said. "It’s easier in a new group. They understand. It just fits well this year I think."

Said Stewart: "It’s easy to stand at the podium when you don’t have a whole bunch of people rolling their eyes. This is the way it should be. The position coach should do their best to make the defense like the defensive coordinator thinks it should look, and I should make the defense play with the tenacity and tempo of the head coach."

Regarding misperceptions, James said it’s also wrong to diminish the role Stewart plays in organizing the defense and calling plays on game day. Phillips has to co-sign on everything. But Stewart is largely in charge of the game-day play calling.

The perception or misperception of Stewart’s role is born out of the fact that Phillips is a defensive-minded head coach. Phillips’ prowess as a coordinator is why he was hired by owner Jerry Jones. And because of that he will remain heavily involved in the defense, just as Denver coach Mike Shananan still runs the Broncos offense.

"He is our defensive coordinator," Phillips said. "I am involved because I don’t want to get out of it. We have a game plan that we all put together. But he is the defensive coordinator. If he gets overlooked, it’s not by us or the players. We all know what he does and how he does his job."

Phillips’ confidence and support and that of his players are the reasons Stewart doesn’t worry about the public perception or the shadow cast by popular offensive coordinator Jason Garrett’s $3 million contract extension.

Stewart, who became a coordinator after just six years of coaching in the NFL, makes no secret of his desire to one day become a head coach.

But his focus remains on the task at hand: coordinate a dominant defense and help the Cowboys compete for Super Bowl. After ranking 10th last year, Stewart believes the Cowboys have the potential to field the best defense in the NFL.

"If you do the best you can and be the best you can be, the opportunities are going to come," Stewart said. "That’s why I was recognized by Wade in San Diego. But just as an artist who paints a picture, it’s somebody else who says it’s a masterpiece. I am trying to paint a picture with these players. It’s for somebody else to say Brian Stewart is a good coach."

As of now, he is certainly more confident, comfortable and at ease.