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Following the 1997 NFL season, the Cowboys first losing season of the decade, owner Jerry Jones would hire Chan Gailey to lead his team as the new head coach. Gailey had most recently been the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding Kordell Stewart to his best years as a starting quarterback. The new head coach would revitalize the Cowboys offense, particularly the running game, which had seen a recent decline despite the presence of Emmitt Smith. The trio of Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin would carry the team, despite injury, and capture the NFC East title, the team's sixth of the 90's. The Cowboys would make the playoffs but lose in the first round to then division rival Arizona Cardinals. Notable additions to the team that year include defensive end Greg Ellis and offensive tackle Flozell Adams. One notable non-addition to the team was wide receiver Randy Moss who wound up being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Rumors surfaced that Jerry Jones coveted the supremely talented receiver, but due to a rash of embarrassing off field incidents in recent years by Cowboys players and Moss' own checkered history, the team decided to pass on the opportunity. It was reported that Michael Irvin contacted Moss, who also desired to be a Cowboys, to apologize personally for the team not drafting him, impart due to Irvin's behavior in previous years.[1].
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