In news conferences at Lincoln Financial Field, quarterback Tony Romo said the weakness in the offense was "exposed" by Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Receiver Terrell Owens, meanwhile, questioned the way Garrett employed him and other receivers throughout the season.

But Jones said Tuesday he's supportive of Garrett and his scheme, despite the fact the Cowboys failed to score a touchdown against the Eagles and averaged only 15.7 points in going 1-3 in December.

"One of the most positive things about the two years Jason has been our coordinator is we have really moved the ball," Jones said. "Now I give Tony Romo his due there, but I like our scheme. I like what we try to do. We know where we're going with it, and our players do, too."

Jones' comments during his radio show on Dallas' KTCK 1310-AM "The Ticket" came one day after coach Wade Phillips also said he supported Garrett, who guided the NFL's 13th-ranked offense (294.3 yards per game) this season.

"I know how he handles things," Phillips said of Garrett. "I know how he presents things to the players. I know the schemes he's trying to run, and I know he's adjustable also. If we need to do things differently, and if he needs to do things differently, he'll do that."

Jones didn't address reports that Garrett is a candidate for the head coaching vacancy in Detroit. Dallas Cowboys .com reported Tuesday that Garrett confirmed the Lions have asked for and received permission to interview him but declined further comment.

Other candidates are reportedly New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Minnesota defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

The 38-point loss to the Eagles was the Cowboys' worst since 1988, and it prevented them from reaching the playoffs, a stunning downfall for a team that entered the season as a Super Bowl favorite.

After meeting with Jones on Monday, Phillips vowed to be more demanding next season, a promise met with skepticism by fans, media and even linebacker Bradie James.

But Jones said he's confident Phillips will hold the team more accountable.

"Let me say this, I believe Wade Phillips can change," Jones said after reiterating his belief that keeping the coaching staff intact would give the Cowboys the best chance to remain contenders.

NBC analyst John Madden suggested that would be a mistake. He pointed out that Dallas' poor showing in December is a sign the coaches didn't do their jobs.

"Coaching is teams getting better as the season goes on," Madden said in a conference call. "I didn't see (the Cowboys) as one of the teams anyone had to worry about. The program, the system, the people didn't work."

Criticism also has been heaped on the players, but Jones said the team's salary structure prevents any roster upheaval. Among the team's unrestricted free agents are defensive end Chris Canty, linebacker Kevin Burnett, safety Keith Davis, nose tackle Tank Johnson and linebacker Zach Thomas, who has already indicated he'd like to play elsewhere.