They won because they had players...many of whom they drafted with picks they got when they traded Hershel Walker to Minnesota in 89, including Emmett Smith in 90 and Russell Maryland in 91.
Johnson knew talent tho. Irvin was alredy there. He drafted Aikman, Daryl Johnson and Mark Stepnoski in 89. He drafted a bunch of other starters too.

Switzer won with Johnson's players..one year. Otherwise he, Campo, Chan Gailey, and this guy Wade aren't tall timber, imo.
The one talented coach he had besided Johnson...Parcells.... put up with him (and TO) long enough to make the team a contender, then left.

Successful coaching begins with personnel. Successful personnel have character, imo. Aikman and Emmet Smith had it. Dallas' character people have mostly moved on....coaches and players.