49ers Happy To Still Have Norv Turner
By Michael Williams (3/6/2007)
Jerry Jones decision to hire Wade Phillips as the new head coach of Dallas Cowboys has well received by San Francisco 49ers for an altogether different reason. They are happy that Norv Turner would not be leaving the 49ers and Turner himself is not too disappointed at being selected as Parcell’s successor. Until a few days before Jones made his decision, Turner was the leading candidate to take over the reins as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Before moving to the 49ers, Turner had worked with the Cowboys as their offensive coordinator. During his tenure with the Cowboys, he was very successful in running their offense and the Cowboys won two Super Bowls in three seasons. Once Turner joined the 49ers, their offense showed marked improvement in his first season itself. Prior to that, the 49ers were suppose to have the worse offense in NFL.
Turner said that he had no regrets in not making it to the Cowboys as the head coach and said that he was very happy to continue working alongside coach Mike Nolan of the 49ers. Turner said that during the interview process with the Cowboys, he was supported tremendously by John York, San Francisco’s owner, and Mike Nolan. This made him realize how strong the support structure was in the 49ers.
Nolan once upon a time used to work for Turner with the Redskins and he has given Turner complete authority run 49ers’ offense. Now, that Cowboys have passed over Turner, he can look forward to a longer contract with the 49ers and a better salary.
No one knows for sure why Turner was not selected by the Cowboys. However, certain sources claim that Turner wanted more control over the team than Jones was willing to give. However, Cowboys loss is 49ers gain. |