IRVING, Texas -- The two best stretches Jerry Jones has had in his first 25 years as owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys occurred with strong head coaches running the franchise and providing direction.

First, Jimmy Johnson. Then, Bill Parcells.

Johnson's teams won two Super Bowls and his players provided the core that won Super Bowl XXX. Parcells built a rugged, physical team that won a division title and made two playoff appearances in four seasons. We also know most of the core of the Cowboys' teams that went 33-15 in the regular season from 2007 to 2009 were acquired during Parcells' tenure.

Jerry Jones can forget about wearing another Super Bowl ring if he doesn't change his approach. Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Jones is a highly intelligent man. You'd think he'd understand the correlation between having a strong head coach -- forcing him to take a less prominent role -- and the team's success. But it hasn't happened yet. Who knows if it ever will.

This much we do we know. If Jones doesn't change his approach, the next 25 years will be a barren as the past 17 seasons.

It's not really that complicated. Oh, Jones has 100 reasons why his approach works. And any time he's asked about hiring a general manager, he recites those reasons. Apparently, one playoff win since 1996 isn't enough to change his mind. If that doesn't do it, then nothing ever will.

Jones won three Super Bowls in his first 25 seasons as owner. No way, he matches that during the next 25 years. He can only blame himself.

Winning in professional sports is about the organization, because players and coaches come and go. The best organizations make good personnel and coaching decisions, allowing them to consistently win. In the NFL, it's no coincidence that the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants have been consistent winners. Each has a strong organization that allows it to overcome a bad year, a bad draft or a bad decision.

The Cowboys are 136-136 since the start of the 1997 season and have been the epitome of mediocre, and there's no tangible evidence that it's going to change anytime soon. We're talking about an organization that hasn't been to the NFC championship game since the 1995 season. Only Detroit (1991) and Washington (1991) have longer droughts.