How a Chance Dinner Led to the Biggest Dallas Cowboys News Story

The Dallas Cowboys' 1989 coaching change was a significant event in NFL history. The team was in need of a new direction, and Jerry Jones's decision to hire Jimmy Johnson proved to be a pivotal moment. However, the story of how the Dallas Morning News broke the news is just as intriguing. According to Jeff Pearlman, the news was initially elusive, with many reporters chasing rumors. Then, Ivan Maisel, a young sports reporter for the Dallas Morning News, and his wife were having dinner when they unexpectedly encountered Jones and Johnson together. This chance encounter allowed Maisel to confirm the hiring. "Holy shit, honey, I gotta get to work," Maisel reportedly said to his wife upon realizing the significance of the sighting. The resulting photograph became iconic, capturing the moment that marked the beginning of a new era for the Dallas Cowboys. This story exemplifies how even the most significant news can break in unexpected ways.