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Wade Wilson was reunited with the Dallas Cowboys on February 22, 2007, after agreeing to terms on a contract that will make him the Cowboys quarterbacks coach. Wilson, a veteran of 19 seasons as an NFL quarterback, held the same position with the Cowboys from 2000 to 2002.
A native of Commerce and a product of East Texas State University (1977-80), Wilson returns home to Texas after a successful stint in tutoring young quarterbacks with the Chicago Bears (2004-2006). This past fall, he helped guide Rex Grossman and the Bears to the NFC title and a Super Bowl berth in Grossman's first full season as Chicago's starting quarterback.
In 2005, Wilson guided rookie fourth round draft choice Kyle Orton to nine wins in his first 12 NFL starts and 10 overall victories in his first 15 career assignments.
During Wilson's first two seasons as the Bears quarterbacks coach, rookie quarterback's started 20 of the team's 32 regular season games and posted a 13-7 record in those outings.
"We didn't think the opportunity to have a chance to hire Wade would present itself," said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "Once we knew he (Wilson) was available, Wade (Phillips) acted quickly in getting him in here and getting him on board."
"This is a hire that will directly facilitate the development of Tony Romo," added Jones. "We think that this is the best scenario possible for Tony, as Wade (Wilson) and Jason (Garrett) have a combined 30 years of experience in playing the position of quarterback in the National Football League."
Wilson was an eighth round draft choice of the Vikings in 1981 and spent 11 seasons with Minnesota (1981-91). He led the Vikings to three playoff appearances, including the 1987 NFC Championship Game, while being selected to the Pro Bowl in 1988. He went on to spend time with the Atlanta Falcons (1992), New Orleans Saints (1993-94), the Cowboys (1995-97) and the Raiders (1998-99). He served as Troy Aikman's back-up on the Dallas team that won Super Bowl XXX.
For his 19-year playing career, Wilson completed 1,391 passes on 2,428 attempts for 17,283 yards. In 1988, while with Minnesota, he led the NFC with a quarterback rating of 91.5.
WADE WILISON - Born 1959, Commerce, Texas. Quarterback East Texas State University 1977-80. Pro: quarterback Minnesota Vikings 1981-91, Atlanta Falcons 1992, New Orleans Saints 1993-94, Dallas Cowboys 1995-97, Oakland Raiders 1998-99. Pro coach: Dallas Cowboys 2000-02, Chicago Bears 2004-06. | 