It was the team's first time in franchise history that Tom Landry was not the head coach, as he was fired by Arkansas oil executive Jerry Jones on February 25, 1989.
Walsh had played quarterback for Jimmy Johnson at the University of Miami and led the ‘Canes to a 23–1 record as a starter and one national title.
Two of the few bright spots of the season were linebacker Eugene Lockhart, who led the league in tackles, and James Dixon, who was one of the NFL’s leaders in kickoff return average.
During the season, star running back Herschel Walker would be traded to the Minnesota Vikings for multiple players and draft picks.
Other notable additions to the team that year include center Mark Stepnoski, fullback Daryl Johnston, and defensive end Tony Tolbert.
Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Defensive linemen Defensive backs Special teams Practice squad Rookies in italics 47 active, 7 inactive, 3 practice squad In 1989, at the height of his NFL career, the Cowboys traded him to the Minnesota Vikings for a total of five players (LB Jesse Solomon, CB Issiac Holt, RB Darrin Nelson, LB David Howard, DE Alex Stewart) and six draft picks (which led to Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith, and Darren Woodson).