Simple: Do you want Wade Phillips back as the head coach of your Dallas Cowboys next season? And beyond?
I've asked owner Jerry Jones several times in several different ways about Phillips' job status. The coach's 3-year contract expires at the end of the season. Jones has an option to extend it, but the two haven't met on the topic this season.
Yesterday a defensive and almost testy Phillips tooted his own horn when asked about his tenure/future. Only the New England Patriots' Bill Belichik has won more regular-season games than Phillips since 2007. Wade's 30-13 in 43 games, better than Bill Parcells' 23-20 and, in fact, he has the best winning percentage of any head coach in the history of the Dallas Cowboys.
"We've won some games here," Phillips told reporters Wednesday afternoon at Valley Ranch. "I don't know if people realize that. ... All I do is try to do the best I can as a coach. I don't think I get a lot of respect for that, but that's the way it goes."
And, then, of course, come the playoffs.
Phillips is 0-4 at three stops in the post-season. This year he says "we're going to win." I say it's going to take more than one playoff triumph for Jerry to extend Wade's contract.
Jerry likes Wade. But he likes winning even more. One playoff win would be progress, sure, but would it convince the owner that he's got the head coach in place to lead his team to a Super Bowl?
My 105.3 The Fan partner Newy Scruggs says it's enough for Phillips to win the NFC East. I say Wade remains a Dead Man Coaching.
What do you say? What's the success threshold for Phillips to return?
A) NFC East division championship.
B) One playoff victory.
C) Appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
D) Super Bowl or bust.
E) He's back regardless.
F) He's gone regardless.
