by Tom Orsborn, STAFF , San Antonio Express-News

Don't laugh. Determined to rev up the defense, the normally low-key Dallas Cowboys head coach has been throwing his weight around like a despot determined to force his political ideology on his countrymen.

At least that's what the team's top defender suggested when asked about Phillips "officially" taking over as defensive coordinator this season.

"We've got the main guy calling the plays now ... He's the dictator, telling everybody exactly what to do and how to do it," linebacker DeMarcus Ware said.

With Phillips ordering the defense into attack mode, Ware and Co. held sway over the offense during organized team activities.

The feisty formula will be on display again during three-day mandatory minicamp, which begins today in Carrollton.

"I like the aggressiveness he's bringing to the game," said Ware, the NFL sack leader last season with 20.

Phillips became more involved with the defensive play-calling midway through last season. When it was over, the Cowboys fired coordinator Brian Stewart, and soon thereafter, owner Jerry Jones said Phillips would run the unit.

"It's going fine. I am just more involved than I was even last year," Phillips said.

In addition to attending all the defensive meetings, Phillips is more hands-on during practice.

"That's where I feel at home," Phillips said.

Long regarded as one of the best at running the 3-4 alignment, Phillips has something to say about every position.

"The beautiful thing about Wade is he's coached this defense for something like 50 years, so he understands everything," linebackers coach Reggie Herring said.

Phillips' presence in the meetings has everybody standing at attention.

"You know there is no middle," secondary coach Dave Campo said. "Wade's right there. It should help."

Linebacker Bradie James agreed.

"Before, he would sit down in our meeting rooms here and there," James said. "But it's every day now. This is his defense, his puppy. He's not going to let it falter."

With Phillips in control, nothing is left to chance.

"When you mess up, even in small increments, he knows it," Ware said. "With him in there, the mistakes from last year aren't going to be the same."

Said James: "He wants everything polished."

That's no easy task with all the offseason changes.

Gone are linebackers Greg Ellis, Zach Thomas and Kevin Burnett; linemen Chris Canty and Tank Johnson; and defensive backs Adam Jones, Keith Davis and Roy Williams.

Newcomers include end Igor Olshansky, linebacker Keith Brooking and safety Gerald Sensabaugh.

No matter the personnel, the defense will attack.

"We're very multiple," James said. "I don't know what you would call this defense. I know it's a 3-4, but we've got guys playing outside, inside, different positions. But that's Wade's M.O., and we are being aggressive."

It remains to be seen, though, whether Phillips can manage both jobs. At the start of last season, there were no head coaches also serving as coordinators.

"Right now, there are no game decisions to be made ... but I think that will work out also," said Phillips, who turns 62 on June 21.

Phillips acknowledged his new duties could force him to budget his time differently.

"Hopefully, I will have a little less time for media and more time for Football," he said, smiling.

Cowboys key dates

Today through Wednesday: Mandatory minicamp, Carrollton

July 28: Training camp kickoff event, Alamodome, time TBA

July 29: First training camp practice, Alamodome, time TBA

Aug. 13: Preseason opener @Oakland Raiders, 9 p.m.

Aug. 19: Last day of training camp, team returns to Irving

Aug. 21: Preseason home opener vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m., Arlington

Sept. 13: Season opener @Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noon

Sept. 20: Home opener vs. New York Giants, 7:15 p.m., Arlington

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