Jason Garrett's Journey with the Dallas Cowboys
From the playing field to the coaching sideline, Jason Garrett's career with the Dallas Cowboys is nothing short of noteworthy. Garrett, a former quarterback, took to the field for the Cowboys between 1993 and 1999. In those formative years, he managed to secure victory in six out of his nine starts, proving his mettle in the position that demands precision and leadership.
Transition to Coaching
The Cowboys evidently valued Garrett’s ability to lead, bringing him on board as their offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2010. However, his most significant leap came when he stepped into the role of head coach in 2010. Starting as an interim, he was soon entrusted with the responsibility full-time from 2011 until 2019. During his tenure, Garrett amassed an 85-67 record and guided the team to three playoff appearances. Perhaps his standout achievement was in 2016 when his leadership earned him the NFL Coach of the Year honors after steering the Cowboys to an impressive 13-3 record.
Reflecting on coaching in Dallas, Garrett once remarked, "The kind of coach who thrives there is someone who is a really good coach..." His experiences have clearly highlighted the high demands and expectations that come with leading such an esteemed franchise.
Lessons and Reflections
Garrett has often spoken about the importance of communication within an organization. "When I say communicating and leading," he explained, "it's not only to your staff and to your team, it's also leading upward in the organization..." This insight underscores his belief in the multifaceted nature of leadership, a principle perhaps gleaned from working closely with Cowboys 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 reflected, showing his appreciation for the mentorship and experiences gathered under Jones' direction.
Current Endeavors and the State of the Cowboys
Today, Garrett brings his wealth of NFL knowledge to a broader audience as an analyst for NBC Sports. His transition from the gridiron and sidelines to the broadcast booth offers him a new platform to share his insights, especially with a franchise that remains a topic of intrigue and speculation. For instance, discussions about Mike McCarthy’s departure as coach have opened dialogues about the team’s future leadership. Garrett's insights, such as his observation that "Jerry is 82 years old, and he's done things a certain way for a long, long time..." suggest the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the organization.
Intriguingly, the Cowboys have made 13 playoff appearances on the bounce without reaching the NFC title game since 1995. This streak raises questions about the missing puzzle pieces in their quest for championship success. Garrett highlights successful franchises like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore, observing, "Look at the obvious examples: Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, some of the other ones..." It's clear he sees value in learning from successful organizational strategies elsewhere in the league.
Ultimately, Jason Garrett remains a key figure in the narrative of the Dallas Cowboys, with a legacy built on leading, learning, and evolving both on and off the field.