On February 12th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1989 when the Dallas Cowboys hired Jimmy Johnson as their new head coach. This move would change the course of the franchise and lead to a dynasty in the 1990s.

Jimmy Johnson, who was previously the head coach at the University of Miami, was brought in by new Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to replace the legendary Tom Landry. Johnson's hiring was controversial at the time, as Landry had been the Cowboys' head coach for 29 seasons and was a beloved figure in Dallas.

However, Johnson quickly proved his worth by rebuilding the Cowboys through savvy drafting and personnel moves. In his first draft with the Cowboys, Johnson selected quarterback Troy Aikman with the first overall pick and later traded star running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for a bounty of draft picks that would help shape the team's future.

Under Johnson's leadership, the Cowboys became a dominant force in the NFL. They won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993, defeating the Buffalo Bills both times. Johnson's teams were known for their high-powered offense, led by Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, as well as a stout defense anchored by players like Charles Haley and Darren Woodson.

Although Johnson's tenure with the Cowboys ended abruptly after the 1993 season due to a falling out with Jerry Jones, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. The Cowboys went on to win another Super Bowl in 1995 under Barry Switzer, using many of the players that Johnson had brought in.

Jimmy Johnson's hiring on February 12th, 1989, set the stage for one of the greatest runs in NFL history and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. His ability to identify talent, build a winning culture, and make bold moves when necessary changed the fortunes of the Dallas Cowboys and left an indelible mark on the sport of football.