Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and head coach, Jason Garrett, continues to cast a long shadow over the franchise he called home for over two decades. From the field to the sidelines, Garrett's imprint remains indelible for Cowboys fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.
The Player: A Solid Foundation
Jason Garrett donned the Cowboys’ colors as a quarterback from 1993 to 1999, demonstrating resilience and consistency behind the center. His tenure saw him secure victories in six of his nine starts, a commendable feat that laid a sturdy foundation for his post-playing career. Garrett’s understanding of the game and leadership qualities were already evident in those early years, promising the beginning of a fruitful association with the Dallas Cowboys.
Coaching and Leadership
Garrett transitioned from player to offensive coordinator in 2007, a role he held until 2010. His expertise in orchestrating plays and leading the offensive unit was pivotal in the Cowboys’ strategies during those critical years. The franchise, recognizing his capability, appointed him as the interim head coach in 2010. By 2011, he had cemented his position as the full-time head coach, steering the team until 2019. Under his guidance, the Cowboys amassed an 85-67 record and made three playoff appearances, a testament to his effective leadership and coaching prowess.
Speaking about the qualities that define a successful coach, Garrett stated, “The kind of coach who thrives there is someone who is a really good coach...” His tenure was characterized by his ability to communicate and connect with players as well as the organization, a skill he took seriously. "When I say communicating and leading, it's not only to your staff and to your team, it's also leading upward in the organization," he explained, highlighting the multidimensional role of a head coach in today’s NFL landscape.
A Legacy of Learning
Garrett’s time with the Cowboys also afforded him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business, including iconic owner Jerry Jones. “I learned a tremendous amount from Jerry Jones during my time there as a player, as an assistant coach, and as a head coach,” Garrett remarked, underscoring the valuable lessons and insights garnered from working closely with Jones. He acknowledged the unique working style of Jones in saying, "Jerry is 82 years old, and he's done things a certain way for a long, long time…"
Recognition and Current Role
Garrett’s skills and dedication were recognized on a national level when he was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2016. His career, though no longer active on the field or sidelines, hasn't lost momentum. Today, Garrett serves as an analyst for NBC Sports, where he continues to offer insights into the game he knows so well. His analysis is informed not only by his playing and coaching experiences but also by his understanding of franchise-building success stories.
Garrett is an astute observer of successful NFL franchises, referencing the likes of Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore. "Look at the obvious examples: Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, some of the other ones…," he pointed out, illustrating the model against which current teams might measure their progress.
The Current Landscape
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys continue their quest for postseason prominence, having made 13 consecutive playoff appearances without advancing to the NFC title game since 1995. The shadow of that elusive success lingers over the franchise as they strive for greatness once more.
As an analyst and former insider, Garrett’s perspective offers a wealth of wisdom and understanding — a bridge between the past greatness of the Cowboys and their potential future triumphs. His journey from quarterback to head coach, and now to a media voice, reflects a career steeped in the intricacies of the game and an ongoing influence on its future.