Editing Dallas Cowboys (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of the Dallas Cowboys}}

===Origins===
Prior to the formation of the Dallas Cowboys, there had not been an NFL team south of Washington, D.C. since the [[Dallas Texans (NFL)|Dallas Texans]] folded in 1952 after only one season. Two businessmen had tried and failed to get Dallas a team in the NFL: [[Lamar Hunt]] responded by forming the [[American Football League]] with a group of owners, which would spur the NFL to expand beyond twelve teams. Oilman [[Clint Murchison, Jr.|Clint Murchison Jr.]] persisted with his intent to bring a team to Dallas, but [[George Preston Marshall]], owner of the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]], had a monopoly in the [[Southern United States|South]] (after the addition of Dallas, the South would see three further teams - NFL teams in Atlanta and New Orleans, and an AFL team in Miami - added in the next six years).<ref name="l020">{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Jeff |date=2020-01-28 |title=How the Dallas Cowboys Were Born in 1960 |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/how-the-dallas-cowboys-were-born-in-1960 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=DallasCowboys.com}}</ref>

Murchison had tried to purchase the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) from Marshall in 1958 with the intent of moving them to Dallas. An agreement was struck, but as the deal was about to be finalized, Marshall called for a change in terms, which infuriated Murchison, and he called off the deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2012 |title=Horn: What if the Redskins had actually moved to Dallas? '50s deal almost made move a reality |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2012/11/22/horn-what-if-the-redskins-had-actually-moved-to-dallas-50s-deal-almost-made-move-a-reality/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref> Marshall then opposed any franchise for Murchison in Dallas. Since NFL expansion needed unanimous approval from team owners at that time, Marshall's position would prevent Murchison from joining the league.

Marshall had a falling out with the Redskins band leader Barnee Breeskin, who had written the music to the Redskins fight song "[[Hail to the Redskins]]", and Marshall's wife had penned the lyrics. Breeskin owned the rights to the song and was aware of Murchison's plight to get an NFL franchise. Angry with Marshall, Breeskin approached Murchison's attorney to sell him the rights to the song before the expansion vote in 1959: Murchison subsequently purchased "Hail to the Redskins" for $2,500.<ref name="Snider">{{Cite magazine |last=Snider |first=Rick |date=June 17, 2020 |title=Ol' Ricky's Redskins Tales - Hail to the Redskins + Dwayne's Gain |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/ol-rickys-redskins-tales-hail-to-the-redskins-dwaynes-gain |access-date=November 14, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref>

Before the vote to award franchises in 1959, Murchison revealed to Marshall that he now owned the song, and barred Marshall from playing it during games. After Marshall launched an expletive-laced tirade, Murchison sold the rights to "Hail to the Redskins" back to Marshall in exchange for his vote, the lone one against Murchison getting a franchise at that time, and a [[Cowboys–Redskins rivalry|rivalry]] was born.<ref name="Snider" /> Murchison hired [[CBS Sports]] executive and former [[Los Angeles Rams]] general manager [[Tex Schramm]] as team president and general manager,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilbon |first=Michael |date=April 18, 1989 |title=COWBOYS' SCHRAMM TO MAKE EXIT |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/04/18/cowboys-schramm-to-make-exit/b6249d16-303d-4f7a-b82b-6e793fde3c8e/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> [[San Francisco 49ers]] scout [[Gil Brandt]] as head of player personnel,<ref name="a557">{{cite web | title=THERE ARE NO HOLES AT THE TOP | website=Sports Illustrated Vault | date=1982-09-01 | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1982/09/01/there-are-no-holes-at-the-top | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> and [[New York Giants]] defensive coordinator [[Tom Landry]] as head coach,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gent |first=Peter |date=October 1, 1981 |title=Tom Landry: The Gamesman |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1981/october/tom-landry-the-gamesman/ |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=D Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> thus forming a triumvirate that would lead the Cowboys' football operations for three decades.

===Tom Landry years (1960–1988)===
{{See also|Tom Landry}}
[[File: Tom Landry Jan 1997.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Tom Landry]], pictured here in 1997, coached the team from 1960 to 1988 and led the Cowboys to five [[Super Bowl]] appearances and two Super Bowl victories in [[1971 Dallas Cowboys season|1971]] and [[1977 Dallas Cowboys season|1977]]|left]]
[[File:Don meredith cowboys.jpg|thumb|[[Don Meredith]] was the first [[Franchise player|franchise]] quarterback of the Cowboys. [[NFL Films]] cited Meredith as the first "star" of the franchise,<ref>{{Citation |title=Don Meredith: The Original Dallas Cowboy {{!}} NFL Films Presents | date=January 9, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLEKA6iO8gw |access-date=November 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> leading them to back-to-back [[NFC Championship Game|NFL Championship Game]] appearances during the [[1966 NFL season|1966]] and [[1967 NFL season|1967 season]]s, both times falling one game shy of the [[Super Bowl]]]]
Like most expansion teams, the Cowboys struggled at first. They failed to win a game in their inaugural season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1960 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1960.htm |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, Landry slowly brought the team to respectability. In 1965, they finally got to .500. They broke all the way through a year later, winning consecutive Eastern Conference titles in 1966 and 1967. However, they lost the [[NFL Championship Game]] each time to the [[Green Bay Packers]] with the second loss coming in the [[1967 NFL Championship Game|1967 Ice Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2017/12/20/ice-bowl-remembered-what-happened-in-that-cowboys-playoff-game-at-green-bay/?outputType=amp|title=Ice Bowl remembered: What happened in that Cowboys playoff game at Green Bay|date=December 20, 1967|website=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|access-date=August 6, 2023}}</ref> They would win consecutive division titles in 1968 and 1969 when the NFL adopted a divisional format, but were defeated in the playoffs both years by the [[Cleveland Browns]].

From [[1970 NFL season|1970]] through [[1979 NFL season|1979]], the Cowboys won 105 regular season games, more than any other NFL franchise during that time span.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pfref.com/tiny/fVEzy|title=Team Game Finder Query Results|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=December 20, 2015}}</ref> In addition, they appeared in five [[Super Bowl]]s, winning two ([[1971 NFL season|1971]] and [[1977 NFL season|1977]]).

Led by quarterback [[Craig Morton]], the [[1970 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]] had a 10–4 season in [[1970 NFL season|1970]]. They defeated Detroit 5–0 in the lowest-scoring playoff game in NFL history<ref>{{Cite web |title=In 1970, Lions-Cowboys produced one of the rarest results in NFL history |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/in-1970-lions-cowboys-produced-one-of-the-rarest-results-in-nfl-history |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> and then defeated San Francisco 17–10 in the first-ever [[NFC Championship Game]] to qualify for their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, a mistake-filled [[Super Bowl V]], where they lost 16–13 to the [[1970 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]] courtesy of a [[Field goal (football)|field goal]] by Colts' kicker Jim O'Brien with five seconds remaining in the contest. Despite the loss, linebacker [[Chuck Howley]] was named the [[Super Bowl MVP]], the first and only time in Super Bowl history that the game's MVP did not come from the winning team.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Super Bowl V: 'Eleven Big Mistakes' |language=en-us |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1971/01/25/542218/eleven-big-mistakes |access-date=November 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Chuck Howley of the Cowboys is the only Super Bowl MVP from a losing team. Now he's a Hall of Famer |url=https://apnews.com/article/pro-football-hall-of-fame-chuck-howley-cowboys-dbd4c212ce8851487435b63cb497d0ce |access-date=November 14, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

==== Super Bowl VI champions (1971) ====
{{See also|Super Bowl VI}}
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 01 - Duane Thomas.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Cowboys playing the [[Miami Dolphins]] in [[Super Bowl VI]] in [[1971–72 NFL playoffs|1971]]|left]]
The Cowboys moved from the [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]] to [[Texas Stadium]] in week six of the [[1971 NFL season|1971 season]]. Landry named Staubach as the permanent starting quarterback to start the second half of the season, and Dallas was off and running. The Cowboys won their last seven regular season games (finishing 11–3) before dispatching the [[1971 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] and [[1971 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] in the playoffs to return to the Super Bowl. In [[Super Bowl VI]], behind an MVP performance from Staubach and a then Super Bowl record 252&nbsp;yards rushing, the Cowboys crushed the upstart [[1971 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]], 24–3, to finally bury the "Next Year's Champions" stigma.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl VI - Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins - January 16th, 1972 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197201160dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

After missing the playoffs in 1974, the [[1975 Dallas Cowboys season|team]] drafted well the [[1975 NFL season|following year]], adding defensive lineman [[Randy White (American football)|Randy White]] (a future Hall of Fame member) and linebacker [[Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson]]. The fresh influx of talent helped the Cowboys back to the playoffs in [[1975–76 NFL playoffs|1975]] as a wild card, losing to the [[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], 21–17, in [[Super Bowl X]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl X - Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - January 18th, 1976 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197601180dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Super Bowl XII champions (1977) ====
{{See also|Super Bowl XII}}
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 02 - Butch Johnson.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Cowboys playing against the [[Denver Broncos]] in [[Super Bowl XII]] in [[1977-78 NFL playoffs|1977]]]]
Dallas began the [[1977 NFL season|1977 season]] 8–0, finishing 12–2. In the [[1977–78 NFL playoffs|postseason]], the Cowboys routed the [[1977 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] 37–7 and [[1977 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] 23–6 before defeating the [[1977 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] 27–10 in [[Super Bowl XII]] in New Orleans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washingtonpost.com: Super Bowl XII: Cowboys Rip Erring Broncos |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/superbowl/stories/sb12.htm |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref> As a testament to [[Doomsday Defense|Doomsday's]] dominance in the hard-hitting game, defensive linemen Randy White and [[Harvey Martin]] were named co-Super Bowl MVPs, the first and only time multiple players have received the award. Dallas returned to the [[Super Bowl XIII|Super Bowl]], following the [[1978 NFL season|1978 season]], losing to Pittsburgh 35–31. Bob Ryan, an NFL Films editor, dubbed the Cowboys "[[America's Team]]" following the Super Bowl loss, a nickname that has earned derision from non-Cowboys fans but has stuck through both good times and bad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2015 |title=How the Cowboys Got the Nickname "America's Team" - 5 Points Blue5 Points Blue |url=http://www.5pointsblue.com/cowboys-got-nickname-americas-team/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124084626/http://www.5pointsblue.com/cowboys-got-nickname-americas-team/ |archive-date=November 24, 2015 }}</ref> [[Danny White]] became the Cowboys' starting quarterback in 1980 after quarterback [[Roger Staubach]] retired. Despite going 12–4 in [[1980 Dallas Cowboys season|1980]], the Cowboys came into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. In the opening round of the [[1980–81 NFL playoffs]] they avenged their elimination from the prior year's playoffs by defeating the Rams. In the Divisional Round they squeaked by the [[Atlanta Falcons]] 30–27. For the NFC Championship they were pitted against division rival [[Philadelphia Eagles]], the team that won the division during the regular season. The Eagles captured their first conference championship and Super Bowl berth by winning 20–7.

[[1981 Dallas Cowboys season|1981]] brought another division championship for the Cowboys. They entered the [[1981–82 NFL playoffs]] as the number 2 seed. Their first postseason saw them blow out Tampa Bay in a 38–0 shutout. The Cowboys then advanced to the [[NFC Championship Game]] against the [[1981 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], the number 1 seed. Despite having a late 4th quarter 27–21 lead, they would lose to the 49ers 28–27. 49ers quarterback [[Joe Montana]] led his team on an 89-yard game-winning touchdown drive, connecting with [[Dwight Clark]] in a play known as [[The Catch (American football)|The Catch]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=October 21, 2018 |title=Joe Montana on 'The Catch' statues: 'An honor to be remembered forever' |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Joe-Montana-on-The-Catch-statues-An-13324767.php |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=San Francisco Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[1982 Dallas Cowboys season|1982 season]] was shortened after a player strike. With a 6–3 record Dallas made it to the playoffs for the 8th consecutive season. As the number 2 seed for the [[1982–83 NFL playoffs]] they eliminated the Buccaneers 30–17 in the Wild Card round and dispatched the Packers 37–26 in the Divisional round to advance to their 3rd consecutive Conference championship game. However, the third time was not the charm for the Cowboys as they fell 31–17 to their division rival and eventual [[Super Bowl XVII]] champions, the [[1982 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]].

Although it was not apparent at the time, the loss in the 1982 NFC title game marked the end of an era. For the [[1983 Dallas Cowboys season|1983 season]] the Cowboys went 12–4 and made it once again to the playoffs but were upset at home in the Wild Card by the Rams 24–17. However, 1983 was a missed opportunity as prior to their playoff defeat, the Cowboys had a chance to clinch the NFC East and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs against Washington in the penultimate week of the regular season, but were defeated soundly 31–10 at home, and conceded control of the division to the Redskins in which they would not relinquish a week later. Prior to the [[1984 Dallas Cowboys season|1984 season]], Murchison sold the Cowboys to another Texas oil magnate, [[Bum Bright|H.R. "Bum" Bright]] and his ten partners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patoski |first=Joe Nick |date=October 1, 2012 |title=Turnover! |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/turnover/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> Dallas posted a 9–7 record that season but missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons and only the second time in 18 years. After going 10–6 in [[1985 Dallas Cowboys season|1985]] and winning a division title, the Cowboys were shut out 20–0 by the Rams in the Divisional round in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1985 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1985.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams - January 4th, 1986 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198601040ram.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Hard times came for the organization as they went 7–9 in [[1986 Dallas Cowboys season|1986]], 7–8 in [[1987 Dallas Cowboys season|1987]], and 3–13 in [[1988 Dallas Cowboys season|1988]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1986 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1986.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1987.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1988 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1988.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During this time period, Bright became disenchanted with the team. During an embarrassing home loss to Atlanta in 1987, Bright told the media that he was "horrified" at Landry's play calling. During the [[Savings and Loan crisis|savings and loan crisis]], Bright's savings and loan was taken over by the [[Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation|FSLIC]]. With most of the rest of his money tied up in the Cowboys, Bright was forced to sell the team to [[Jerry Jones]] on February 25, 1989, for $150 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Justin |date=November 24, 2022 |title=Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Has 5.7 Billion More Reasons To Be Thankful This Year |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/11/24/dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-has-57-billion-more-reasons-to-be-thankful-this-year/ |access-date=May 31, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

=== Jerry Jones era (1989–present) ===
==== Jimmy Johnson years (1989–1993) ====
{{See also|Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)}}
[[File:Texas Stadium - Dallas Cowboys World Champions Mural.JPG|thumb|upright=1|The five-time world champions mural]]
Jones immediately fired Tom Landry, the only head coach in franchise history, replacing him with [[University of Miami]] head coach [[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|Jimmy Johnson]], who was also Jones' teammate at the [[University of Arkansas]] as a fellow defensive lineman.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 1989 |title=NEW COWBOYS OWNER FIRES LANDRY, HIRES JIMMY JOHNSON ARKANSAS MILLIONAIRE BUYS CLUB, TAPS MIAMI COACH - HIS EX-ROOMMATE |url=https://www.deseret.com/1989/2/26/18796703/new-cowboys-owner-fires-landry-hires-jimmy-johnson-br-arkansas-millionaire-buys-club-taps-miami-coac |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Deseret News|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> The hiring of Johnson also reunited Johnson with second-year wide receiver [[Michael Irvin]], who had played collegiately at Miami. With the first pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected [[UCLA]] quarterback [[Troy Aikman]]. Later that same year, they would [[Herschel Walker trade|trade veteran running back]] [[Herschel Walker]] to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] for five veteran players and eight draft choices. Although the Cowboys finished the [[1989 Dallas Cowboys season|1989 season]] with a 1–15 record, their worst in almost 30 years, "The Trade" later allowed Dallas to draft a number of impact players to rebuild the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2017 |title=The Story of Dallas Cowboys 1992 3rd Super Bowl |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQcPRZLqeK8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421201522/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQcPRZLqeK8&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=June 18, 2017 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=Law Nation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1989.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Johnson quickly returned the Cowboys to the NFL's elite. Skillful drafts added fullback [[Daryl Johnston]] and center [[Mark Stepnoski]] in 1989, running back [[Emmitt Smith]] in 1990, defensive tackle [[Russell Maryland]] and offensive tackle [[Erik Williams]] in 1991, and safety [[Darren Woodson]] in 1992. The young talent joined holdovers from the Landry era such as wide receiver Michael Irvin, guard [[Nate Newton]], linebacker [[Ken Norton Jr.]], and offensive lineman [[Mark Tuinei]], defensive lineman [[Jim Jeffcoat]], and veteran pickups such as tight end [[Jay Novacek]] and defensive end [[Charles Haley]].

Things started to look up for the franchise in [[1990 Dallas Cowboys season|1990]]. On Week 1 Dallas won their first home game since September 1988 when they defeated the [[San Diego Chargers]] 17–14. They went 2–7 in their next 9 games but won 4 of their last 6 games to finish the season with a 4th place 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1990.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Coming into [[1991 Dallas Cowboys season|1991]] the Cowboys replaced offensive coordinator [[Dave Shula]] with [[Norv Turner]]; the Cowboys raced to a 6–5 start, then defeated the previously unbeaten [[1991 Washington Redskins season|Redskins]] despite injury to Troy Aikman. Backup [[Steve Beuerlein]] took over and the Cowboys finished 11–5. In the Wild Card round they defeated the [[1991 Chicago Bears season|Bears]] 17–13 for the Cowboys' first playoff win since 1982. In the Divisional round their season ended in a 38–6 playoff rout by the [[1991 Detroit Lions season|Lions]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions - January 5th, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199201050det.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Super Bowl XXVII champions (1992) ====
{{See also|Super Bowl XXVII}}
In [[1992 Dallas Cowboys season|1992]] Dallas set a team record for regular-season wins with a 13–3 mark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They started off the season by defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Redskins 23–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1992.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Going into the playoffs as the number 2 seed they had a first-round bye before facing division rival the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Cowboys won that game 34–10 to advance to the NFC Conference Championship game for the first time in 10 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys - January 10th, 1993 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199301100dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They were pitted against the [[San Francisco 49ers]], the top seed. On January 17, 1993, the Cowboys went to [[Candlestick Park]] and defeated the 49ers 30–20 to clinch their first Super Bowl berth since 1978.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers - January 17th, 1993 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199301170sfo.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Dallas defeated the [[Buffalo Bills]] 52–17 in [[Super Bowl XXVII]], during which they forced a record nine turnovers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-01 |title=Flashback: Relive the Cowboys' 52-17 blowout of the Bills in Super Bowl XXVII |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2018/02/01/flashback-relive-the-cowboys-52-17-blowout-of-the-bills-in-super-bowl-xxvii/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref> Johnson became the first coach to claim a national championship in college football and a Super Bowl victory in professional football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXVII - Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys - January 31st, 1993 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199301310buf.htm |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Super Bowl XXVIII champions (1993) ====
{{See also|Super Bowl XXVIII}}
[[File:Dallas Cowboys stadium championship banners 4.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Dallas Cowboys championship banners inside [[AT&T Stadium]]]]
Despite starting the [[1993 Dallas Cowboys season|1993 season]] 0–2, Dallas finished the regular season 12–4 as the number 1 seed of the NFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1993.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1993/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Dallas sent a then-NFL record 11 players to the Pro Bowl in 1993: Aikman, safety [[Thomas Everett]], Irvin, Johnston, Maryland, Newton, Norton, Novacek, Smith, Stepnoski, and Williams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-24 |title=COWBOYS TO SEND 11 PLAYERS TO PRO BOWL |url=https://www.deseret.com/1993/12/29/19084080/cowboys-to-send-11-players-to-pro-bowl/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Deseret News|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> They defeated the Green Bay Packers 27–17 in the divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys - January 16th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199401160dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the NFC Conference Championship, Dallas beat the 49ers in Dallas, 38–21.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys - January 23rd, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199401230dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>  The Cowboys again defeated the Buffalo Bills in [[Super Bowl XXVIII]], 30–13 (becoming the first team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after starting 0–2).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXVIII - Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills - January 30th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199401300buf.htm |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Barry Switzer years (1994–1997) ====
Only weeks after Super Bowl XXVIII, however, friction between Johnson and Jones culminated in Johnson stunning the football world by announcing his resignation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monet |first=Jazz |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Jimmy Johnson discusses how Jerry Jones 'hurt' him before his departure from Dallas |url=https://insidethestar.com/?p=161549 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Inside The Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Jones then hired former [[University of Oklahoma]] head coach [[Barry Switzer]] to replace Johnson.<ref name="u140">{{cite web | title=Switzer named Dallas Cowboys coach | website=UPI | date=1994-03-31 | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/03/31/Switzer-named-Dallas-Cowboys-coach/7177765090000/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> The Cowboys finished 12–4 in [[1994 Dallas Cowboys season|1994]].<ref name="i887">{{cite web | title=1994 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1994.htm | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> They once again clinched a first-round bye and defeated Green Bay 35–9 in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys - January 8th, 1995 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501080dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They missed the Super Bowl, however, after losing to the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in the NFC Championship Game, 38–28.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers - January 15th, 1995 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501150sfo.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Super Bowl XXX champions (1995) ====
{{See also|Super Bowl XXX}}
Prior to the start of [[1995 Dallas Cowboys season|1995 season]] Jerry Jones lured All-Pro cornerback [[Deion Sanders]] away from San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shapiro|first=Leonard|title=Cowboys sign Sanders for Five Years, $30 Million|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/memories/1995/95nfl6.htm|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=September 10, 1995|access-date=November 9, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518143556/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/memories/1995/95nfl6.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Dallas started the season 4–0 including shutting out their division rival New York Giants 35–0 at [[Giants Stadium]] to open their season. Emmitt Smith set an NFL record with 25 rushing touchdowns that season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Rushing Touchdowns Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_td_single_season.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They ended the season 12–4 and went into the playoffs as the number 1 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1995/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the Divisional round, they dispatched their division rival Eagles 30–11 to advance to their fourth consecutive NFC Conference Championship Game, in which they defeated Green Bay, 38–27.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys - January 7th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199601070dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys - January 14th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199601140dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In [[Super Bowl XXX]] the Cowboys defeated the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] 27–17 at [[Sun Devil Stadium]] for their fifth Super Bowl championship, tied with the [[San Francisco 49ers]] for the most by any NFC team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=1996-01-29 |title=SUPER BOWL XXX;Cowboys Overcome Offensive Crisis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/29/sports/super-bowl-xxx-cowboys-overcome-offensive-crisis.html |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Switzer joined Johnson as the only coaches to win a college football national championship and a Super Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1995.htm|title=Dallas Cowboys 1995 summary|publisher=Pro-Football Reference.Com|access-date=December 17, 2008|archive-date=December 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219093919/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1995.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The Triplets (cropped).jpg|thumb|The trio of [[Troy Aikman]], [[Emmitt Smith]], and [[Michael Irvin]] (known as "The Triplets") led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins]]
The glory days of the Cowboys were again beginning to dim as free agency, age, and injuries began taking their toll. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games of [[1996 Dallas Cowboys season|1996]] following a drug-related arrest; he came back after the Cowboys started the season 2–3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Timothy W. |date=1996-07-25 |title=PRO FOOTBALL;N.F.L. Makes the Call on Irvin: Receiver Suspended for 5 Games |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/25/sports/pro-football-nfl-makes-the-call-on-irvin-receiver-suspended-for-5-games.html |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> They finished the regular season with a 10–6 record, won the [[NFC East]] title, and entered the playoffs as the number 3 seed in the NFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1996/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They defeated Minnesota 40–15 in the Wild Card round but were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs 26–17 by the [[1996 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys - December 28th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612280dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers - January 5th, 1997 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701050car.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Cowboys went 6–10 in [[1997 Dallas Cowboys season|1997]], losing the last six consecutive games of the season, with discipline and off-field problems becoming major distractions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1997.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/01/american-football-dallas-cowboys|title=Jeff Pearlman on the unbelievable story of the implosion of the Dallas Cowboys|work=the Guardian|date=March 2009|access-date=December 20, 2015|archive-date=December 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220000818/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/01/american-football-dallas-cowboys|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Switzer resigned as head coach in January 1998 and former Steelers offensive coordinator [[Chan Gailey]] was hired to take his place.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Justice |first=Richard |date=February 13, 1998 |title=FORMER STEELERS ASSISTANT GAILEY HIRED TO COACH COWBOYS |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/02/13/former-steelers-assistant-gailey-hired-to-coach-cowboys/44b5baea-d460-4524-a7c7-0f47aadb79c6/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

==== Gailey and Campo years (1998–2002) ====
{{See also|Chan Gailey|Dave Campo}}
Gailey led the team to two playoff appearances with a 10–6 record in [[1998 Dallas Cowboys season|1998]] and an [[NFC East]] championship, the Cowboys' sixth in seven years, but the Cowboys were upset at home in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs by the [[1998 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] 20–7.

In [[1999 Dallas Cowboys season|1999]] Dallas went 8–8 in a season that featured Irvin suffering a career-ending [[Cervical vertebrae|cervical spine]] injury in a loss to the [[1999 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] at [[Veterans Stadium]]. The season ended in a 27-10 Wild Card playoff loss to the [[1999 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]. Gailey was fired and became the first Cowboys coach who did not take the team to a [[Super Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2000 |title=Cowboys Fire Coach Gailey - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cowboys-fire-coach-gailey/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Defensive coordinator [[Dave Campo]] was promoted to head coach for the [[2000 Dallas Cowboys season|2000 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aron |first=Jaime |date=January 26, 2000 |title=COWBOYS PROMOTE AIDE AS HEAD COACH\ FORMER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR DAVE CAMPO IS ONE OF TWO HOLDOVERS FROM JIMMY JOHNSON'S STAFF IN DALLAS. |url=https://greensboro.com/cowboys-promote-aide-as-head-coach-former-defensive-coordinator-dave-campo-is-one-of-two/article_8b48d3bf-ab15-59d5-b143-91b44374a5fc.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Greensboro News and Record |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Prior to the season starting cornerback [[Deion Sanders]] was released after 5 seasons with the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com - NFL - Dallas move saves millions against cap |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2000/0602/562965.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> He later signed with the division rival [[2000 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]]. In Week 1, they were blown out 41–14 by the [[2000 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]. That game was very costly when veteran quarterback Troy Aikman suffered a serious concussion which ultimately ended his career. Longtime NFL quarterback [[Randall Cunningham]] filled in for Aikman for the rest of the season at quarterback. The Cowboys finished the season in 4th place with a 5–11 record. The only highlights of 2000 were [[Emmitt Smith]] having his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and a season sweep over the Redskins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1000 x 10 {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2005/01/news-1000-x-10 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref>

[[2001 Dallas Cowboys season|2001]] was another hard year in Dallas. Prior to the season starting Aikman was released from the team and he retired due to the concussions he had received.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2001 |title=Aikman: 'I'd like to play somewhere' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2001/0307/1136301.html#:~:text=IRVING,%20Texas%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Dallas%20Cowboys,convinced%20he%20can%20still%20play. |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com - NFL - Aikman walks away, says broadcast work on horizon |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2001/0403/1166889.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> Jerry Jones signed [[Tony Banks (American football)|Tony Banks]] as a quarterback. Banks had been a starter for half of the season the previous year for the [[Super Bowl XXXV]] champion [[2000 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] before being benched. Jones also drafted quarterback [[Quincy Carter]] in the second round of that year's draft, and Banks was released during the preseason. [[Ryan Leaf]], [[Anthony Wright (American football)|Anthony Wright]], and [[Clint Stoerner]] all competed for the quarterback position that season. Dallas again finished at 5–11, last place in the NFC East, but they swept the [[2001 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] for the 4th consecutive season.

Prior to the [[2002 Dallas Cowboys season|2002 season]] Dallas drafted safety [[Roy Williams (safety)|Roy Williams]] with the 8th overall pick. The season started out low as the Cowboys lost to the [[expansion team|expansion]] [[2002 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] 19–10 in Week 1. By far the highlight of 2002 was on October 28, when during a home game against the [[2002 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Emmitt Smith broke the all-time NFL rushing record previously held by [[Walter Payton]]. Their [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving Day]] win over the [[2002 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] was their 10th consecutive win against the Redskins. However, that was their final 2002 win as the team lost their next four games to finish with another last-place 5–11 record. The losing streak was punctuated with a Week 17 20–14 loss against the Redskins. That game was Smith's last game as a Cowboys player; he was released during the offseason.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2003 |title=Cowboys Release A Football Legend - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cowboys-release-a-football-legend/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Campo was immediately fired as head coach at the conclusion of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Campo fired after three consecutive 5-11 records |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2002/1230/1484412.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

==== Bill Parcells years (2003–2006) ====
{{See also|Bill Parcells}}
Jones then lured [[Bill Parcells]] out of retirement to coach the Cowboys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parcells gets $17.1 million deal to coach fourth team |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2003/0102/1486254.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> The Cowboys became the surprise team of the [[2003 Dallas Cowboys season|2003 season]] getting off to a hot 7–2 start, but went 3–4 for the rest of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They were able to grab the second NFC wild-card spot with a 10–6 record but lost in the Wild Card round to eventual conference champion [[2003 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], 29–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401030car.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2004 Dallas Cowboys season|2004]] Dallas was unable to replicate their 2003 success and ended 6–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2004.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Quincy Carter was released during the preseason and was replaced at quarterback by [[Vinny Testaverde]].<ref name="r966">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Carter Is Released by Cowboys | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2004-08-05 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-05-sp-nflrep5-story.html | access-date=2024-08-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2004 |title=Testaverde, 40, signs with Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1815150 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Dallas got off to a great 7–3 start for the [[2005 Dallas Cowboys season|2005 season]] but ended up only in 3rd place with a 9–7 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Prior to the beginning of that season, they signed veteran [[Drew Bledsoe]] as starting quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-02-23 |title=Cowboys introduce Bledsoe |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1997976 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

[[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|2006]] was an interesting year for the Cowboys. Prior to the season, they signed free agent wide receiver [[Terrell Owens]] who was talented yet controversial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2374189|title=A star is born: Owens signs with the Cowboys|date=March 18, 2006|work=www.ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910051454/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2374189|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cowboys started the season 3–2. During a week 7 matchup against the [[2006 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], Bledsoe, who had been struggling since the start of the season, was pulled from the game and was replaced by backup [[Tony Romo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='He was a nobody': Inside Tony Romo's rise |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/17784668/oral-history-how-tony-romo-dallas-cowboys-became-starting-quarterback |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Romo was unable to salvage that game and Dallas lost 36–22. However, Romo was named the starter for the team and went 5–1 in his first 6 games. Dallas ended the season with a 9–7 2nd-place finish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2006.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They were able to clinch the number 5 playoff seed. They traveled to play the [[2006 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] where the Seahawks won 21–20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks - January 6th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701060sea.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After the season Parcells retired and was replaced by [[Wade Phillips]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-22 |title=Parcells retires from coaching |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2738949 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-08 |title=Cowboys hire Phillips to be coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2758164 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

==== Wade Phillips years (2007–2010) ====
{{See also|Wade Phillips}}

Dallas started the [[2007 Dallas Cowboys season|2007 season]] with a bang, winning their first five games. They won 12 of their first 13 games, with their only loss during that span being to the [[2007 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], who went undefeated that season. Despite dropping two of their last three regular-season games, the Cowboys clinched their first number 1 NFC seed in 12 years, which also granted them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They lost in the divisional round 21–17 to the eventual [[Super Bowl XLII|Super Bowl]] champion [[2007 New York Giants season|New York Giants]].<ref name="b752">{{cite web | last=Aron| first=Jaime|agency=Associated Press | title=Giants 21, Cowboys 17: Cowboys corralled by Giants | website=MetroWest Daily News | date=2008-01-14 | url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/sports/2008/01/14/giants-21-cowboys-17-cowboys/41279825007/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

In the tumultuous [[2008 Dallas Cowboys season|2008 season]], the Cowboys started off strong, going 3–0 for the second straight year, en route to a 4–1 start. However, things soon went downhill from there, after quarterback Tony Romo suffered a broken pinkie in an overtime loss to the [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]. With [[Brad Johnson (American football)|Brad Johnson]] and [[Brooks Bollinger]] playing as backups, Dallas went 1–2 during a three-game stretch. Romo's return showed promise, as Dallas went 3–0. However, injuries mounted during the season, with the team losing several starters for the year, such as [[Kyle Kosier]], [[Felix Jones]], safety [[Roy Williams (safety)|Roy Williams]], punter [[Mat McBriar]], and several other starters playing with injuries.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ellis|first=Josh|title=The Injury List Just Keeps On Growing|url=http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=45AB0937-BED6-CFD1-02344872888433B6|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=January 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031063704/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=45AB0937-BED6-CFD1-02344872888433B6|archive-date=October 31, 2008 }}</ref> Entering December, the 8–4 Cowboys underperformed, finishing 1–3. They failed to make the playoffs after losing to the [[2008 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] in the final regular-season game which saw the Eagles reach the playoffs instead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On May 2, 2009, the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility collapsed during a wind storm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mosley |first=Matt |date=2009-05-02 |title=Cowboys' practice facility collapses from storm |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4127852 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> The collapse left twelve Cowboys players and coaches injured. The most serious injuries were special teams coach [[Joe DeCamillis]], who suffered fractured cervical vertebrae and had surgery to stabilize fractured vertebrae in his neck, and Rich Behm, the team's 33-year-old scouting assistant, who was permanently paralyzed from the waist down after his spine was severed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2010 |title=Jerry Jones, workers settle on collapse |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5512609 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2009 Dallas Cowboys season|2009 season]] started positively with a road win against the [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], but fortunes quickly changed as Dallas fell to a 2–2 start. In week five, with starting wide receiver Roy Williams sidelined by injury, receiver [[Miles Austin]] got his first start of the season and had a record-setting day (250 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns) to help lead Dallas to an overtime win over the [[2009 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cowboys 26-20 Chiefs (Oct 11, 2009) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/291011012 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> Following their [[bye week]], they went on a three-game winning streak including wins over the [[2009 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] and NFC East division rival [[2009 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]. Despite entering December with a record of 8–3, they lost their slim grip on 1st place in the division with losses to the [[2009 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] and [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]. Talks of past December collapses resurfaced, and another collapse in 2009 seemed validated. However, the team surged in the final three weeks of the season with a 24–17 victory against the eventual [[Super Bowl XLIV]] champion [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] at the Louisiana Superdome, ending the Saints' previously unbeaten season in week 15. For the first time in franchise history, they posted back-to-back shutouts when they beat their division rivals, the [[2009 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] (17–0) and Philadelphia Eagles (24–0) to end the season. In the process, the Cowboys clinched their second NFC East title in three years as well as the third seed in the NFC Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Six days later, in the wild-card round of the playoffs, Dallas played the Eagles in a rematch of week 17. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles for the first Cowboys post-season win since the 1996 season, ending a streak of six consecutive NFL post-season losses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys - January 9th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001090dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, their playoff run ended after being routed 34–3 in the Divisional Round against the [[2009 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings - January 17th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001170min.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

After beginning the [[2010 Dallas Cowboys season|2010 season]] at 1–7, Phillips was fired as head coach and was replaced by offensive coordinator [[Jason Garrett]] as the interim head coach.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 8, 2010 |title=NFL Network: Cowboys fire Wade Phillips as head coach, promote Jason Garrett |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/11/nfl-network-cowboys-fire-wade-phillips-as-head-coach-promote-jason-garrett/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708101924/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/11/nfl-network-cowboys-fire-wade-phillips-as-head-coach-promote-jason-garrett/1 |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |access-date=November 8, 2010 |work=USA Today}}</ref>

==== Jason Garrett years (2010–2019) ====
{{See also|Jason Garrett}}
With Garrett as interim head coach, the Cowboys finished the 2010 season 6–10 after beginning at 1–7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Calvin |date=2011-03-30 |title=Jason Garrett set for full-time challenge |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=watkins_calvin&id=6271933 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> With this improvement, the Cowboys signed Garrett as the head coach for the 2011 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Calvin |date=2011-01-06 |title=Dallas Cowboys' coach is Jason Garrett |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5995105 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lazarus |first=Adam |date=January 6, 2011 |title=Dallas Cowboys: Will They Be Better With Jason Garrett in 2011? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/564488-jason-garrett-will-the-cowboys-be-better-with-him-in-2011 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>
[[File: Tony Romo before 2008 Pro Bowl.JPEG|thumb|[[Tony Romo]], pictured here in 2008, was starting quarterback for the Cowboys from 2006 to 2015]]
To start the [[2011 Dallas Cowboys season|2011 season]] the Cowboys played the [[2011 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] on a Sunday night primetime game in New York, on September 11. The Cowboys held the lead through most of the game, until a fumble, blocked punt, and interception led to the Jets coming back to win the game. In week 2 the Cowboys traveled to San Francisco to play the [[2011 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]. In the middle of the 2nd quarter, while the Cowboys trailed 10–7, Tony Romo suffered a rib injury and was replaced by [[Jon Kitna]]. Kitna threw 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions until Romo returned in the 3rd quarter as Dallas trailed 17–7. Romo then threw 3 touchdown passes to [[Miles Austin]] as the Cowboys rallied to send the game into overtime. On their opening possession after a 49ers punt, Romo found wide receiver [[Jesse Holley]] on a 78-yard pass, which set up the game-winning field goal by rookie kicker [[Dan Bailey (American football)|Dan Bailey]].<ref name="m401">{{cite web | last=Youmans | first=Kyle | title=Countdown: Jesse Holley's Shining Moment | website=Dallas Cowboys | date=2022-06-26 | url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/countdown-jesse-holley-s-shining-moment | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Cowboys ended the season 8–8. They were in a position to win the NFC East but lost to the [[2011 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] in a Week 17 primetime Sunday Night game on [[NBC]] which allowed the Giants to win the division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borden |first=Sam |date=2012-01-02 |title=Giants Rout the Cowboys and Win the N.F.C. East |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/sports/football/giants-defeat-cowboys-to-take-final-playoff-spot.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The Giants would go on to win [[Super Bowl XLVI]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=2012-02-06 |title=Giants Beat Patriots in Final Rally |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/sports/football/super-bowl-resilient-giants-edge-patriots-to-win-super-bowl-xlvi.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Cowboys started off the [[2012 Dallas Cowboys season|2012 season]] on a high note by defeating the defending Super Bowl champion [[2012 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] 24–17 on the opening night of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - September 5th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209050nyg.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They would hover around the .500 mark for the majority of the season. They lost a close Week 6 game to eventual [[Super Bowl XLVII]] champion [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] 31–29 at [[M&T Bank Stadium]] in Baltimore. Going into Week 17 they found themselves once again one win away from winning the division. Standing in their way were the [[2012 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], who had beaten them on Thanksgiving at [[AT&T Stadium]] and who were one win away from their first division title since [[1999 Washington Redskins season|1999]]. Led by [[Robert Griffin III]] the Redskins defeated the Cowboys at home 28–18.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2012 |title=Alfred Morris-led Redskins take NFC East, eliminate Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321230028 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> Dallas once again finished the season 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2012.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2013 Dallas Cowboys season|2013 season]] the Cowboys started off by defeating the [[2013 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] for the second straight year; this time 36–31. It was the first time since 2008 that the Cowboys were able to defeat the Giants at home. The win was punctuated by [[Brandon Carr]] intercepting an [[Eli Manning]] pass for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter. For the third straight year, Dallas once again found itself stuck in the .500 area. In Week 5, they lost a shootout to the eventual AFC champion [[2013 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] 51–48.<ref name="q532">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=Tony Romo throws late interception; Dallas Cowboys lose 51-48 to Denver Broncos on last-second FG | website=Dallas News | date=2013-10-06 | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2013/10/06/tony-romo-throws-late-interception-dallas-cowboys-lose-51-48-to-denver-broncos-on-last-second-fg/ | access-date=2024-08-25}}</ref> They battled it out with the [[2013 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] for control of the division throughout the season. In December however they lost 2 crucial back-to-back games to the [[2013 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] and [[2013 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]. They were very successful in division games having a 5–0 division record heading into another Week 17 showdown for the NFC East crown against the Eagles. That included beating the [[2013 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] 24–23 on Week 16 thanks to the late-game heroics of [[Tony Romo]]. However, Romo received a severe back injury in that game which prematurely ended his season. The Cowboys called upon backup quarterback [[Kyle Orton]] to lead them into battle on the final week of the season. Orton was unsuccessful who threw a game-ending interception to the Eagles which allowed the Eagles to win 24–22. Dallas ended the year at 8–8 for the third year in a row. The two differences from this 8–8 ending compared to the others was that Dallas ended the season in second place compared to the 2 previous 3rd-place finishes, along with their season-ending defeat taking place at home instead of on the road.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2013.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

To start off the [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season|2014 season]] Dallas began by losing to the [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] 28–17. After that, they went on a 6-game winning streak. The highlight of this streak was defeating the [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] champion [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] at [[CenturyLink Field]] 30–23. In Week 8, the [[2014 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] ended the Cowboys' winning streak by winning in overtime 20–17, and Romo injured his back again. He missed next week, a home loss to the [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] 28–17 with backup quarterback [[Brandon Weeden]]. Romo returned in Week 9 to lead a 31–17 victory over the [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], which was played at [[Wembley Stadium]] in [[London, England]] as part of the [[NFL International Series]]. Dallas played their traditional Thanksgiving home game against their division rival [[2014 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]. Both teams were vying for first place in the division with identical 8–3 records. The Eagles got off to a fast start and the Cowboys were unable to catch up, losing 33–10. They would rebound the next week when they defeated the [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] 41–28. Week 15 was a rematch against 1st place Philadelphia. This time it was the Cowboys who got off to a fast start going up 21–0. Then the Eagles put up 24 points but Dallas came back to win 38–27 to go into first place for the first time in the season and improve to 10–4. Going into their Week 16 matchup at home against the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Dallas was in a position to clinch their first division title since 2009 by defeating the Colts 42-7 and the Eagles losing that week to the Redskins. They became the 2014 NFC East Champions, eliminating the Eagles from the playoffs. Dallas ended the regular season with a 12–4 record and an 8–0 away record when they won on the road against Washington 44–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2014.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On January 4, 2015, the Cowboys, as the number 3 seed, hosted the number 6 seed [[2014 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] in the wild-card round of the [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|NFL playoffs]]. In the game, the Lions got off to a hot start, going up 14–0 in the first quarter. Dallas initially struggled on both sides of the ball. However, towards the end of the second quarter, Romo threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Williams. [[Matt Prater]] of the Lions would kick a field goal before halftime to go up 17–7. Dallas came out swinging to start the second half by picking off Detroit quarterback [[Matthew Stafford]] on the first play of the third quarter. However, the Cowboys failed to capitalize on the turnover, as Dan Bailey missed a field goal during Dallas's ensuing drive. Detroit then kicked another field goal to make the score 20–7. A DeMarco Murray touchdown later in that quarter closed the gap to 20–14. A 51-yard Bailey field goal almost 3 minutes into the fourth quarter trimmed the Cowboys' deficit to 3. The Lions got the ball back and started driving down the field. On 3rd down-and-1 of that Lions drive, Stafford threw a 17-yard pass intended for Lions tight end [[Brandon Pettigrew]], but the ball hit Cowboys linebacker [[Anthony Hitchens]] in the back a fraction of a second before he ran into Pettigrew. The play was initially flagged as defensive pass interference against Hitchens. However, the penalty was then nullified by the officiating crew. The Cowboys got the ball back on their 41-yard line and had a successful 59-yard drive which was capped off by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Romo to Williams to give the Cowboys their first lead of the game at 24–20. The Lions got the ball back with less than 2:30 to play in regulation. Stafford fumbled the ball at the 2-minute mark. The fumble was recovered by Cowboys defensive end [[DeMarcus Lawrence]], who then fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Lions. Lawrence would redeem himself by sacking Stafford on a 4th down-and-3 play. The sack led to Stafford fumbling the ball again, which Lawrence recovered to seal the game for the Cowboys, who won 24–20.<ref name="m743">{{cite web | last=Birkett | first=Dave | title=Dallas 24, Detroit 20: Lions out of playoffs in controversial fashion | website=Detroit Free Press | date=2015-01-05 | url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/01/04/detroit-lions-dallas-cowboys-playoffs/21269819/ | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> This was the first time in franchise playoff history that Dallas had been down by 10 or more points at halftime and rallied to win the game.

The following week, the Cowboys traveled to [[Lambeau Field]] in [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]] to play the [[2014 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in the [[Dez Caught It|Divisional Round]]. Despite having a 14–7 halftime lead, the Cowboys fell to the Packers 26–21, thus ending their season. The season ended on an overturned call of a completed catch by Dez Bryant. The catch was challenged by the Packers, and the referees overturned the call because of the "Calvin Johnson rule".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chavez |first=Chris |date=February 27, 2018 |title=NFL Competition Committee says Dez Bryant, Calvin Johnson caught it |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/27/nfl-competition-committee-dez-bryant-calvin-johnson-catch-rule-change-1 |access-date=November 15, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>

During the 2015 offseason the Cowboys allowed running back [[DeMarco Murray]] to become a free agent. Murray signed with the [[Cowboys–Eagles rivalry|division rival]] [[Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Brandon |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Flashback: The full story of how DeMarco Murray became an Eagle and the fallout from it for the Cowboys |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2018/07/13/flashback-the-full-story-of-how-demarco-murray-became-an-eagle-and-the-fallout-from-it-for-the-cowboys/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref> On July 15 wide receiver [[Dez Bryant]] signed a 5-year, $70 million contract.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dez Bryant signs new five-year, $70m deal with the Dallas Cowboys |url=https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/9914261/dez-bryant-signs-new-five-year-70m-deal-with-the-dallas-cowboys |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]] started the 2015 season at home against the [[2015 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], in which Dallas won 27–26. Dez Bryant left the game early with a fractured bone in his foot. On the road against the [[2015 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], Romo suffered a broken left collarbone, the same one he injured in 2010, and Brandon Weeden replaced him. Dallas won 20–10 to begin the season 2–0, but then went on a seven-game losing streak. They finished the season 4–12 and last in their division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2015.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2016 Dallas Cowboys season|2016]], after a preseason injury to Tony Romo, rookie quarterback [[Dak Prescott]] was slated as the starting quarterback, as Romo was expected to be out 6–8 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pantorno |first=Joe |date=August 27, 2016 |title=Dak Prescott Reportedly Named Cowboys Starting QB After Tony Romo Injury |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2660165-dak-prescott-reportedly-named-cowboys-starting-qb-after-tony-romo-injury |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> In week 1 against the [[2016 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], Dallas lost 20–19. After this loss, Dallas would go on an eleven-game winning streak. After much speculation leading to a potential quarterback controversy, Romo made an announcement that Prescott had earned the right to take over as the Cowboys starting quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=November 15, 2016 |title=Jerry Jones: Tony Romo's handing being benched for a rookie really well |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jerry-jones-tony-romos-handing-being-benched-for-a-rookie-really-well |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

In game 10, Romo suited up for the first time in the season and was the backup quarterback. Dallas defeated the [[2016 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] to win their 9th straight game, breaking a franchise record of 8 straight games set in 1977. It also marked rookie running back [[Ezekiel Elliott]] breaking [[Tony Dorsett]]'s single-season rushing record for a Cowboys rookie. Prescott also tied an NFL rookie record held by [[Russell Wilson]] and [[Dan Marino]] by throwing multiple touchdowns in 5 straight games. Dallas finished 13–3, tying their best 16-game regular-season record. While Dallas defeated the [[2016 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] at Lambeau Field in week 6, the Packers would win at AT&T Stadium in the divisional round of the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|NFL playoffs]] on a last-second field goal, ending the Cowboys' season.<ref name="i327">{{cite web | last=Davis | first=Scott | title=Packers tight end makes incredible 35-yard catch on his toes to help set up Packers win over the Cowboys | website=Business Insider | date=2017-01-15 | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/packers-jared-cook-incredible-catch-cowboys-2017-1 | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>
[[File:Elliott Prescott.jpg|thumb|[[Dak Prescott]] and [[Ezekiel Elliott]] were both [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]] finalists in 2016 after leading the team to a 13–3 record, with the former winning the award]]
Dak Prescott was named [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL Rookie of the Year]] in the NFL honors on February 4, 2017, and Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing yards. Jason Garrett was named [[NFL Coach of the Year Award|Coach of the Year]]. Both Prescott and Elliott made the [[2017 Pro Bowl]]. This is the first time the Cowboys sent two rookies to the Pro Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-21 |title=News: Dak And Zeke Headline Cowboys' Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/12/21/14029926/cowboys-news-notes-dak-and-zeke-headline-dallas-cowboys-pro-bowl-selections |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223180319/http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/12/21/14029926/cowboys-news-notes-dak-and-zeke-headline-dallas-cowboys-pro-bowl-selections |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Blogging The Boys|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref>

[[2017 Dallas Cowboys season|2017]] was the first season since 2002 without quarterback Tony Romo, who retired on April 4 after 14 seasons with the Cowboys.<ref name="j437">{{cite web | title=Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo retiring from NFL | website=NFL.com | date=2017-04-04 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dallas-cowboys-qb-tony-romo-retiring-from-nfl-0ap3000000797371 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The season also featured second-year running back Ezekiel Elliott being suspended for 6 games after violating the league's conduct policy.<ref name="l3531">{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=2017-08-11 |title=Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott suspended six games for conduct |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20302469/ezekiel-elliott-dallas-cowboys-suspended-six-games |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The suspension was to begin at the start of the year but was pushed back to November.<ref name="j890">{{cite magazine | last=McCann | first=Michael | title=Why Elliott's Suspension Was Reinstated, Does He Have Shot of Reversal? | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2017-10-31 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/31/why-ezekiel-elliotts-suspension-was-reinstated | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Cowboys finished the year at 9-7 without making the playoffs. Following the season, Dez Bryant was released after eight seasons in Dallas and tight end [[Jason Witten]], who holds several franchise receiving records, retired after 15 seasons, ending an era.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2018 |title=Dez Bryant released by Dallas Cowboys after eight seasons |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dez-bryant-dallas-cowboys-release-star-wide-receiver-after-eight-seasons-2018-04-13/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=CBS News|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rapp |first=Timothy |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Jason Witten Reportedly 'Blindsided' Cowboys by Retiring During 2018 NFL Draft |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2772958-jason-witten-reportedly-blindsided-cowboys-by-retiring-during-2018-nfl-draft |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

The Dallas Cowboys' 2017 season was the subject of the third season of [[Amazon (company)|Amazon's]] sports documentary series ''[[All or Nothing (franchise)|All or Nothing]]''. The series is produced by NFL Films.<ref>{{cite news|title='All or Nothing' series to showcase Cowboys' 2017 season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/all-or-nothing-series-to-showcase-cowboys-2017-season-0ap3000000918226|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819120701/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000918226/article/all-or-nothing-series-to-showcase-cowboys-2017-season|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 2018 season, the Cowboys finished with a 10–6 record and won the NFC East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the Wild Card Round, the Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24–22 before losing 30–22 to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.<ref name="p414">{{cite web | last=Farmer | first=Sam | title=Cowboys hold off Seahawks 24-22 in NFC wild-card game | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2019-01-06 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-seahawks-cowboys-20190105-story.html | access-date=2024-08-25}}</ref><ref name="v313">{{cite web | last=Beacham | first=Greg | title=Whitworth's line dominates as Rams power past Cowboys, 30-22 | website=AP News | date=2019-01-13 | url=https://apnews.com/whitworths-line-dominates-as-rams-power-past-cowboys-30-22-89c1bcc499b34d64959ceb055105114d | access-date=2024-08-25}}</ref>

==== Mike McCarthy years (2020–2024) ====
{{See also|Mike McCarthy}}
Following the end of the 2019 season, where the Cowboys missed the playoffs for the 7th time in the last 10 seasons, it was announced that the team had parted ways with longtime head coach [[Jason Garrett]]. Both [[Marvin Lewis]] (former [[Cincinnati Bengals|Bengals]] coach) and [[Mike McCarthy]] (former [[Green Bay Packers|Packers]] coach who led Green Bay to a Super Bowl win) were interviewed for the head coaching position.<ref name="q406">{{cite web | title=End of an era: Jason Garrett fired as Cowboys coach | website=NFL.com | date=2020-01-05 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-jason-garrett-fired-as-cowboys-coach-0ap3000001093512 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

McCarthy and the Cowboys picked up the first win against the [[Atlanta Falcons]] in Week 2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Mike McCarthy's first win with Dallas Cowboys a comeback for the ages |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29931601/mike-mccarthy-first-win-dallas-cowboys-comeback-ages |access-date=July 27, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On October 11, the Cowboys' [[2020 Dallas Cowboys season|2020 season]] was all but lost when quarterback [[Dak Prescott]] suffered a grievous ankle injury that ended his season.<ref name="c794">{{cite web | last=Gehlken | first=Michael | title=Big win, bigger loss: Cowboys, Dak Prescott let emotions flow after QB's devastating ankle injury | website=Dallas News | date=2022-10-12 | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/10/11/cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-carted-off-vs-giants-after-gruesome-injury/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Despite the loss of Prescott, McCarthy's first year Cowboys still remained in the running for a playoff appearance throughout most of the regular season. They would go on to finish the season with a 6–10 record, which ranked the team third in the NFC East Division.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2020.htm|access-date=July 27, 2021|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|language=en}}</ref> Throughout the 2020 season, the Cowboys' defense struggled massively. Following the season, defensive coordinator [[Mike Nolan]] and defensive line coach [[Jim Tomsula]] were dismissed.<ref name="q521">{{cite web | last=Archer | first=Todd | title=Dallas Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Mike Nolan | website=ESPN.com | date=2021-01-08 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30675381/dallas-cowboys-fire-defensive-coordinator-mike-nolan-source-says | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Cowboys' [[2021 Dallas Cowboys season|2021 season]] resulted in the first winning season since [[2018 Dallas Cowboys season|2018]], and with the [[2021 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]' Week 16 loss to the [[2021 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], the Cowboys clinched their first playoff berth also since 2018. Following a [[2021 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]' loss to the [[2021 Las Vegas Raiders season|Las Vegas Raiders]], the Cowboys clinched the NFC East, based on [[NFL playoffs#Breaking ties|strength-of-victory tiebreakers]]; this was their first division title since 2018.<ref name="g640">{{cite web | last=Haynie | first=Jess | title=NFC East 2021: Cowboys Clinch Division Title, Eagles Rise to Wild Card | website=Inside The Star | date=2021-12-28 | url=https://insidethestar.com/nfc-east-2021-cowboys-clinch-division-title-eagles-rise-to-wild-card/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> They swept the NFC East for the first time since [[1998 Dallas Cowboys season|1998]]. Rookie [[Micah Parsons]] was awarded as [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award#Defensive ROTY winners (1969–present)|Defensive Rookie of the Year]], and contributed to a league-leading defense.<ref name="o153">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Cowboys LB Micah Parsons named 2021 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year | website=NFL.com | date=2022-02-11 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-lb-micah-parsons-named-2021-ap-nfl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Cowboys' strong offense finished the year with 530 points, the most in the league, and a team record.<ref name="w574">{{cite web | last=Gosselin | first=Rick | title=Cowboys boast NFL's most prolific offense, but history says stats rarely lead to Super Bowl glory | website=Dallas News | date=2022-01-14 | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2022/01/12/cowboys-boast-nfls-most-prolific-offense-but-history-says-super-bowls-are-won-by-other-means/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> They finished the season with a 12–5 record, their best since 2016. But despite high expectations, the Cowboys lost in the [[2021–22 NFL playoffs#NFC: San Francisco 49ers 23, Dallas Cowboys 17|wild card round]] of the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers 23–17.<ref name="s179">{{cite web | last=Daniels | first=Kurt | title=Game Recap: Cowboy Season Ends With 23-17 Loss | website=DallasCowboys.com | date=2022-01-17 | url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/game-recap-cowboy-season-ends-with-23-17-loss | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The [[2022 Dallas Cowboys season|2022 season]] saw a repeat of the 12–5 record. Despite losing to the [[2022 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in Week 15, the Cowboys clinched a playoff berth after a loss by the [[2022 Washington Commanders season|Washington Commanders]] later that day. This marked the first time since [[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|2006]]–[[2007 Dallas Cowboys season|2007]] the Cowboys qualified for the postseason in consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=NFL offseason needs 2023: NFC East priorities for Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Commanders ahead of free agency | website=CBSSports.com | date=2023-02-13 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-offseason-needs-2023-nfc-east-priorities-for-eagles-giants-cowboys-commanders-ahead-of-free-agency/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Quarterback Dak Prescott was awarded as [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]], for his contributions to the community and charity.<ref name="i169">{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Cowboys QB Dak Prescott named 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year | website=NFL.com | date=2023-02-10 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-named-2022-walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> In the [[2022–23 NFL playoffs#NFC: Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14|wild-card round of the playoffs]], the Cowboys defeated the [[2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] to win their first road playoff game since their [[1992 Dallas Cowboys season|Super Bowl-winning 1992 season]], and ended their winless streak against [[Tom Brady]] in what proved to be Brady's last game in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stahl |first=Tony |date=2023-02-02 |title=Cowboys retire Tom Brady after a 23-year career ⋆ Inside The Star |url=https://insidethestar.com/cowboys-retire-tom-brady-after-a-23-year-career/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Inside The Star |language=en-US}}</ref> However, they were defeated by the [[2022 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] for the second consecutive season, this time in the [[2022–23 NFL playoffs#NFC: San Francisco 49ers 19, Dallas Cowboys 12|divisional round]], their seventh consecutive divisional round defeat.<ref name="d417">{{cite web | last=Dubow | first=Josh | title=49ers beat Cowboys 19-12 to advance to NFC title game | website=AP News | date=2023-01-23 | url=https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-dallas-cowboys-nfl-super-bowl-sports-f1268805853482b77d05a12a2fded011 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

On February 16, 2022, a settlement of $2.4 million was paid after four cheerleaders accused Rich Dalrymple, the now-retired senior vice president of public relations and communications, of voyeurism in their locker room as they undressed during a 2015 event at AT&T Stadium.<ref>{{cite web |last=Van Natta |first=Don Jr. |title=Cowboys paid $2.4 million to settle cheerleaders' voyeurism allegations against senior team executive |date=February 16, 2022 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33231841/dallas-cowboys-paid-24-million-settle-cheerleaders-voyeurism-allegations |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jerry Jones comments on Dallas Cowboys' $2.4 million settlement paid to cheerleaders |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2022/02/26/jerry-jones-comments-on-dallas-cowboys-24-million-settlement-paid-to-cheerleaders/ |access-date=February 27, 2022 |publisher=Dallas Morning News |date=February 26, 2022}}</ref>

After the NFL allowed teams to seek blockchain sponsorships,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Jabari |title=The NFL will now let teams seek limited blockchain sponsorships, but cryptocurrency promotion remains banned |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/22/nfl-lets-teams-blockchain-sponsorships-crypto-ban.html |publisher=CNBC |date=March 22, 2022}}</ref> the Cowboys became the first team to do so, signing a multi-year contract with the platform [[Blockchain.com]] on April 13, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Archer |first1=Todd |title=Dallas Cowboys seal partnership with cryptocurrency platform Blockchain.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33731497/dallas-cowboys-seal-partnership-cryptocurrency-platform-blockchaincom |publisher=ESPN |date=April 14, 2022}}</ref>

In [[2023 Dallas Cowboys season|2023]], the Cowboys again achieved a 12–5 record, for the third year in a row.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2023.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team won the [[NFC East]] division for the first time since the 2021 season and the second time in three seasons.<ref name="u019">{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Cowboys win second NFC East title in three seasons with win over Commanders | website=NFL.com | date=2024-01-08 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-win-second-nfc-east-title-in-three-seasons-with-win-over-commanders#:~:text=With%20their%2038%2D10%20win,claimed%20the%20NFC%20East%20title. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> They ended up in a three-way tie with the [[2023 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] and the [[2023 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions]] for first place in the NFC at 12–5. However, they lost the conference record tiebreaker to the 49ers but won the head to head tiebreaker over the Lions, giving them the second seed in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Dallas |date=December 31, 2023 |title=NFC No. 1 Seed Playoff Scenarios: 49ers, Eagles, Lions, Cowboys Still in Mix for First-Round Bye |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfc-no-1-seed-playoff-scenarios-49ers-eagles-lions-cowboys-2023/ |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=Pro Football Network}}</ref> Although the Cowboys lost to the [[2023 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] in Week 15, they clinched their third straight playoff berth before taking the field when the [[2023 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] and [[2023 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] lost to the [[2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] and [[2023 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=December 17, 2023 |title=Cowboys clinch third straight trip to postseason following losses by Packers, Falcons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-clinch-third-straight-trip-to-postseason-following-losses-by-packers-fal |work=NFL.com}}</ref> This marked the Cowboys' first run of three consecutive postseason appearances since appearing in six straight from [[1991 Dallas Cowboys season|1991]] to [[1996 Dallas Cowboys season|1996]]. However, the Cowboys collapsed in the [[2023–24 NFL playoffs|playoffs]], and, despite having one of the best-ranked offenses and defenses of the league, were defeated 48–32 by their [[Cowboys–Packers rivalry|rival]], seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round, at one point trailing 48–16 during the fourth quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Packers 48-32 Cowboys (Jan 14, 2024) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401547752/packers-cowboys |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Treacy |first=Dan |date=2024-01-14 |title=No. 7 seeds to win an NFL playoff game: How Packers made history with wild-card win over Cowboys {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-playoffs-7-seeds-history-wild-card-packers-cowboys/8800e011a2caa58ac5d5b10a |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gharib |first=Anthony |date=2024-01-15 |title=Notable numbers from Packers' wild-card win over Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39310237/green-bay-packers-dallas-cowboys-numbers |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> With the loss, the Cowboys became the first team to lose to a #7 seed since the playoff bracket expanded for the [[2020–21 NFL playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Beviglia |first=Jim |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Why Can't Dallas Win in the NFL Playoffs? |url=https://www.cappertek.com/blog.asp?b=5-reasons-the-cowboys-keep-failing-in-the-playoffs |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=CapperTek}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maaddi |first=Rob |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Analysis: After another playoff failure by Dallas, maybe a call to Belichick can save the Cowboys |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/01/15/analysis-after-another-playoff-failure-by-dallas-maybe-a-call-to-belichick-can-save-the-cowboys/72229899007/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hamm |first=Timm |date=January 25, 2024 |title='Ain't Gonna Work!' Deion Supports Coach McCarthy, Reveals Cowboys Weakness |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-mike-mccarthy-deion-sanders-jerry-jones-robert-griffin-iii-rg3-podcast |access-date=January 25, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> This also marked the first time a team failed to reach a Conference Championship Game despite winning at least 12 games in three consecutive seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clawson |first=Douglas |date=2024-01-15 |title=Cowboys' playoff failures by the numbers since last NFC title game appearance |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cowboys-playoff-failures-by-the-numbers-since-last-nfc-title-game-appearance/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 13, 2025, it was announced that McCarthy would not be returning as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys due to a contract dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=January 13, 2025 |title=Mike McCarthy is out as Cowboys coach. |url=https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1878850049872212440 |url-status=live |access-date=January 13, 2025 |website=X}} </ref>

==== Brian Schottenheimer years (2025–present) ====
On January 24, 2025, it was announced that Brian Schottenheimer had been promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=2025-01-25 |title=Cowboys hire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as next head coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-hire-offensive-coordinator-brian-schottenheimer-as-next-head-coach |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>