Phillips' comments came in a news release issued by the club late Friday afternoon, even though owner Jerry Jones recently put a gag order on all coaches and front-office employees other than himself.

"I enjoyed having the opportunity to coach Terrell Owens, and I appreciate his contributions to our team over the past two years," said Phillips, who wasn't around during T.O.'s first season in Dallas.

"In our time together, I saw one of the more productive and explosive players in the NFL at the receiver position. I think that when his playing days come to an end he will have compiled a career that is worthy of the Hall of Fame.

"We're now ready to move on and this decision will open the door for other younger players on our team to step up. That process will begin here in a few weeks with the start of the offseason program."