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ParcellsIsGod · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Dallas, TX

One more hint that we're going to the 3-4... I'll miss Coakley...

Cowboys bid farewell to Coakley

04:55 PM CST on Tuesday, March 1, 2005

By MATT MOSLEY / DallasNews.com

The Cowboys have broken ties with one of the most prolific linebackers in club history.

Dexter Coakley, a third-round pick out of Appalachian State in 1997, was released Tuesday, when a restructured contract could not be worked out.

Coakley, who will turn 33 in October, was scheduled to receive a $502,000 roster bonus this week.

Even though he was among the league's smallest linebackers at 5-10, 236 pounds, Coakley earned three trips to the Pro Bowl. In 2002, Coakley put up the second-highest tackles total in team history with 173. But his numbers declined over the past two seasons.

The normally affable Coakley was upset last off-season when coach Bill Parcells opened up the competition at linebacker. Coakley rotated with second-year player Bradie James during training camp, but was once again the starter when the season began.

Coakley is tied with former defensive back Dennis Thurman for the most defensive touchdowns in club history with five (four interception returns and one fumble return).

With the Cowboys considering a change to a 3-4 defensive front, Coakley's role with the team was up in the air. The alignment, which Parcells has always preferred, calls for bigger linebackers who have the ability to take on 300-pound guards and tackles. That said, Coakley had earned the respect of Parcells, who gave him the nickname "Mascot" soon after taking over the team.

In his eight seasons with the Cowboys, Coakley was always among the team's top three in tackles. His only trips to the playoffs came after the 1998, 1999 and 2003 seasons. The Cowboys lost wild-card games in each of those seasons.

bval77 · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 165 Location: germany

Just saw that on the bottom line of sportscenter this second. Shocking but I wonder what this mean for FA/Draft.

soonersmania · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 46

I wonder if we could have at least tryed to trade himand get a #2 for him at least or maybe a #3 i guess nobody wanted him or it would be better just to cut him.

AmericasTeam · Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 1212

I figured we would cut him.

I enjoyed his time as a Dallas Cowboy and wish him the best.

jeffrizzle51 · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 5849

I think this guarantees Dallas taking Shawne Merriman with the #11 pick. If Derrick Johnson falls, which he very well could, I can see Parcells taking him. He loves his big linebackers. Just think back to his days with the jets and giants.
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Mr. Instant Offense: Rudy Burgess
Last Season: 59 rec. 655 yds. 4 TD; 147 car. 687 yds 6 TD
This Season- 2 games; 9 rec. 153 yds.

plan9misfit · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:31 pm Post subject:

This doesn't guarantee anything. It only guaranteed we're not paying a 33 year old undersized LB a $500,000 roster bonus. Most of us knew Coakley was going to be cut before the season was over.

Texas Ace · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 1496

jeffrizzle51 · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 5849

I agree but if you don't draft one of those guys who do you get to replace him. Everyone says Kendrell Bell will be the first guy they sign, but he is a different type of backer than Coakley.
_________________

Mr. Instant Offense: Rudy Burgess
Last Season: 59 rec. 655 yds. 4 TD; 147 car. 687 yds 6 TD
This Season- 2 games; 9 rec. 153 yds.

Dogs of war · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Albuquerque, NM

Good luck Coakley,
I'm sure you won't be unemployed for long.
Thanks for all the tackles!

Late
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ferochis · Joined: 26 Oct 2004 Posts: 139

Coakly has always been one of my favorite cowboys, well I know that he won't be unemployed long and I hope that he goes to a winning team. I think that he ends up in indy, new orleans, or st. louis.

plan9misfit · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:53 pm Post subject:

I wish the same for Dexter as any former Cowboy..fail from this point on in your career. Thanks for the memories.

GeorgiaBoy367 · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 4929

the smartest thing the colts could do is pick this guy up i hope he falls somewhere thats a winner

Enoch · Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 65

Its really disappointing to see him go. The days of Godfrey and Coakley will always hold a special place in my heart Sad

.
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GeorgiaBoy367 · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 4929

he was good a great team could pick him up ie colts, chiefs or so and make him a star too
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shadow walker · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 11860 Location: Virginia Beach

this blows!!!!!! Crying or Very sad

well i hope coakley just retires as a cowboy Very Happy

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