IRVING, Texas -- In terms of most valuable sports franchises in the world, the Dallas Cowboys and Manchester United are in the top five.
Manchester United was valued by Forbes at $3.17 billion, which was No. 2 behind Real Madrid. The Cowboys checked in at No. 5 at $2.1 billion.
The Red Devils' season could not have gone more poorly. David Moyes replaced the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and the team will have its worst finish since 1992-93. Moyes was replaced in the interim by one of the club's best players in history, Ryan Giggs, who remains an active player.
Giggs will serve as a player/manager for the final four games and conceivably could get the post on a full-time basis in 2015 but this job is the premier job in soccer and the Glazer family can't just call on any of 500 coaches to win a championship. Wink, wink.
The last time the Cowboys had a player/coach was Dan Reeves from 1970-72, when he was still carrying the ball for Tom Landry and also coaching the running backs. Landry was a player/coach for the New York Giants, serving as a defensive back and defensive coordinator.
The notion of a player/coach in the NFL seems ludicrous, but just play along for a moment.
Who would be the Cowboys' player/coaches?
Quarterback Tony Romo: He has to know just about everything about the game playing his position. Ex-cornerback Mike Jenkins said Romo would give him detailed scouting reports on opposing quarterbacks before games. Some might argue he was a coach last year with his increased involvement in the game planning.
Tight end Jason Witten: There is not a more detailed oriented player on the roster. He doesn't just know how to do something, but he knows why to do something. His resume is impeccable (nine Pro Bowls). He is the hardest worker in the room. He can motivate and pull on some old Bill Parcells' ties.
Linebacker Sean Lee: Like Witten, he is detailed and works hard. He knows the linebacker positions, but he knows what the secondary and defensive line is supposed to do as well. Ex-defensive coordinator Rob Ryan called him the brain of the defense two years ago. The in-game adjustments would be made quickly.
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick: He is not afraid to state his opinion on all matters and he is a student of the game. He carries that chip on his shoulder from the day he arrived as a fifth-round pick in 2008 and will hold players accountable.
Left tackle Tyron Smith: He is quiet, but he would command the attention of players. He's young (just 23) but there is no questioning his talent. Knowing pass protections are a must for any head coach.