Jason Garrett's name resonates with Dallas Cowboys fans and the wider NFL community. From his time as a quarterback to his years as the offensive coordinator and head coach, Garrett's journey with the Cowboys has been marked by notable achievements and challenges.
A Quarterback and a Coach
Garrett's football career with the Cowboys began as he took on the role of quarterback from 1993 to 1999. His tenure as a player was distinguished by resilience and determination, securing victories in six of his nine starts. His understanding of the game during these formative years would later inform his coaching strategies.
Transitioning from the field to the sidelines, Garrett served as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2010. This period was characterized by developing offensive strategies that harnessed the team's potential, setting the stage for his future leadership role.
Steering the Ship as Head Coach
In 2010, Garrett assumed the role of interim head coach, a position he would hold full-time from 2011 to 2019. Under his guidance, the Cowboys amassed an 85-67 record, made three playoff appearances, and in 2016, Garrett earned the coveted NFL Coach of the Year award. Such achievements speak to his coaching prowess and ability to lead a team in one of the most competitive sports leagues.
Garrett has often spoken about the kind of leadership required to thrive in the NFL. He notes, “The kind of coach who thrives there is someone who is a really good coach...” His insights into leadership extend beyond the field. He emphasizes the importance of communicating and leading not just the team, but also coordinating effectively within the organization: "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..."
Learnings from Legends
Reflecting on his years with the Cowboys, Garrett acknowledges the influence of the team's 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..." The lessons imparted by Jones have undeniably influenced Garrett's approach to leadership and his perspective on building successful sports franchises.
Jones's longstanding methods have shaped the Cowboys' operations, as Garrett notes: "Jerry is 82 years old, and he's done things a certain way for a long, long time..." Such comments underscore the continuity and tradition that have been hallmarks of the franchise, even amid evolving challenges.
Chasing the Elusive Title
Despite Garrett's tenure and the Cowboys’ efforts, the team has struggled to reach the NFC title game, marking 13 consecutive playoff appearances since 1995 without progressing to that coveted stage. This record underscores the competitive nature of the league and the challenges faced by even the most storied franchises.
In looking at other successful teams, Garrett highlights the organizational and strategic models of franchises like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore. "Look at the obvious examples: Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, some of the other ones..." he suggests, pointing to these teams as benchmarks in professional football.
A New Chapter as an Analyst
Following his coaching career, Garrett has transitioned to a new role as an analyst for NBC Sports. This position allows him to leverage his extensive knowledge of the game, providing insights and commentary that enrich the viewing experience for fans nationwide.
As he reflects on his career and the evolving landscape of the NFL, Jason Garrett continues to be a respected figure in football, admired for his contributions both on and off the field. His experiences with the Cowboys have not only shaped his career but have also provided invaluable lessons to those following in his footsteps.