Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones decided to replace legendary head coach Tom Landry immediately following his purchase of the franchise in 1989 as part of a total organizational restructuring and business reboot. Jones wanted to install his longtime friend and former college teammate Jimmy Johnson as the new head coach to direct all football operations under a modern management structure. While the abrupt dismissal of the iconic, Hall of Fame coach sent shockwaves through the sports world and upset many traditional fans, Jones viewed the transition as a necessary strategic pivot to rebuild the struggling franchise.