Cowboys Cut Tony Hill; Landry to Stay 3 More Years

The Dallas Cowboys were active on two fronts Thursday, releasing wide receiver Tony Hill and announcing that Tom Landry will continue as the team’s coach for the next three seasons.

Hill, a 10-year National Football League veteran, “had weight problems,” Landry said, adding that the 31-year-old player “just didn’t fire up as everyone else did.”

The Cowboys said that Hill, who failed to show up for three weigh-ins this summer, is about 230 pounds, more than 30 over his assigned weight.

Hill had 479 receptions with the Cowboys, only 11 short of the club’s all-time record of 490 held by Drew Pearson. He has played in three Pro Bowls and holds the Cowboys’ record for yardage gained by a receiver.

Cowboy President Tex Schramm said that Landry, 62, had told him Wednesday of his decision to continue coaching for another three seasons. Landry is expected to earn about $1 million a season.

The Cowboys finished 7-9 last year, their first losing season in 21 years.

“I just feel that this is a very important time in our history,” Landry said. “It’s time to blend in some new blood with our team. I am willing to take the time to do that.”