Donahue Talks to Jones Again

Former UCLA coach Terry Donahue had a third interview Monday with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is in his fourth week trying to find a head coaching replacement for Barry Switzer.

Donahue, who previously had been interviewed once in Dallas and once in California, arrived in Dallas and immediately began talks with Jones, who has promised a new coach by mid-week.

“Nothing is going to happen today,” Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels said. “Jerry is sticking by his mid-week timetable. Tuesday is a possibility for an announcement.”

Amarillo TV station KAMR reported Monday that Donahue will be named to succeed Switzer. The report, which cited a front-office source, said Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Campo and team spokesman Rich Dalrymple attended the meeting at Jones’ Highland Park home.

Dalrymple didn’t return a call from The Associated Press on Monday evening.

Donahue’s meeting with Jones put him one-up on former San Francisco 49er coach George Seifert and Green Bay offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis, who spent several days at Valley Ranch last week and overnighted in Jones’ Highland Park mansion.

Lewis also was interviewed by Jones the day after the Super Bowl. Seifert was interviewed twice in California.

Jones said Sunday night he is setting Wednesday as a target date. He also said he has a “mystery” candidate.

“I’m not going to give his name, but I am very close,” Jones said.

Jones said he is looking for someone who can give the players and the fans a jolt. Switzer resigned on Jan. 9.

“I’m looking for something that, for the players and the fans, would give you that spark that would have you up on your seat,” Jones said.

The winningest coach in UCLA history, Donahue retired in December, 1995, to take a job as a broadcaster with CBS. He coached Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman at UCLA for two years.

Donahue, 53, took UCLA to 13 bowl games in 20 seasons, posting a record of 8-4-1 in the games.

In 20 seasons at UCLA, his best years came from 1982-1991, when he led the Bruins to eight straight bowl victories including Rose Bowl wins. However, UCLA played in bowls only three times in his last eight years.

When Donahue left UCLA, he had three years left on his contract at $367,000 per year.

He also spent a night at the Jones’ mansion early in Super Bowl week.

Also Monday, Cowboys running backs coach Joe Brodsky said he was leaving the team after nine seasons to become running backs coach for the Chicago Bears.

Brodsky’s departure follows that of offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese, who has left for New England.