After the 1982 season was reduced to nine games by a players' strike, the NFL held a special playoff tournament with the eight best teams in each conference. The 5-3-1 Packers qualified for this, routing the Cardinals 41–16, but in the next round lost to the Cowboys 37–26. It would be their only playoff win during this rough stretch in the team's history. Another 8-8 season the following year led to the dismissal of Bart Starr as head coach. Forrest Gregg succeeded him, but after two more 8–8 seasons, he decided to cut several aging players and start over with fresh rookies. The rejuvenated Packers produced a 4–12 record in 1986, as was typical of a rebuilding period.