According to ESPN.com, the Cowboys have let go of defensive coordinator Brian Stewart after failing to meet the expectations as a Superbowl contending team in 2008. ESPN reports,  

The Dallas Cowboys have relieved defensive coordinator Brian Stewart of his duties after two seasons. Stewart was let go despite Dallas improving from ninth in total defense in 2007 to eighth in 2008 and finishing fourth overall against the pass and leading the league in sacks, including a league-high 20 from DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys also gave up 22.8 points per game, which was 20th in the league. The Cowboys' decision was initiated by owner Jerry Jones but not an attempt to provoke Phillips into quitting in protest, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder. According to a team source, Jones had made the decision shortly after the season but delayed an announcement at Phillips' request to enable Stewart to seek another job in the NFL before he was terminated.

ESPN News

The National Post had this to say, 

The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Brian Stewart after two seasons at the post, despite guiding a unit that led the NFL in sacks and ranked eighth in the league in total defense. However, the 44-year-old infamously had his play-calling duties taken away from him this season following an embarrassing 34-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams on October 19.

Instead, head coach Wade Phillips essentially took control of the defense, though Stewart, of course, remained heavily involved in game-planning.

National Post

I can see this being a quick decision on Phillips part to maintain his dominant control over this organization, which led to another disappointing 9-7 season. This may have been more of a chemistry issue as there were several other factors contributing to the poor performance by the cowboys this season.

Stewart, however gracefully accepted the decision and had this to say,

"I hope Mr. Jones and Wade know how much I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Dallas Cowboys," Stewart said. "Of course, I am disappointed and frustrated about this decision. This defense has accomplished so much in two years, individually and collectively. I know that there will be many reasons to celebrate their accomplishments in the future."

What am I trying to say with all this? I think that CRN taking his time can be a beneficial factor with a few recent releases of talented NFL personnel. While I'm sure Stewart would love to remain in the NFL, if Dewalker was making $375,000 a year, and with the opportunity to live in sunny california, as well as a convincingly charming Head Coach who managed to gain a proficient and talented Offensive Coordinator, while keeping a rising star in search of a head coaching position. Is it crazy to hope for a more talented pool to choose from in our attempt to compete with bigger programs? According to various sites, Chuck Bullough is leading the race for this position, but I would just love to see a few more talented names thrown in the mix.

Needless to say, I wouldn't mind seeing an aggressive force on the field who has worked with other organizations in the NFL.

via cache.daylife.com

What do you think of the current potential candidates? Could this also mean an opportunity to utilitize somebody who is comfortable in a heavily football oriented program, and who lived in an almost (Football) religiously worshiped state to establish an expanded presence with heavily touted southern and midwestern recruits?