Jason Garrett's journey through the ranks of professional football is a testament to his enduring influence in the realm of the NFL. With a career spanning roles as a player, coach, and now analyst, Garrett's insights offer a unique perspective on what makes a franchise thrive.
A Quarterback's Legacy
Garrett's tenure as a quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys from 1993 to 1999 was marked by a promising start, securing victories in six of his nine starts. This period was foundational, shaping his understanding of the sport from a player's viewpoint. His time on the field in the iconic star of Dallas laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in football management and beyond.
Transition to Coaching
After hanging up his cleats, Garrett stepped onto the sidelines as the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys between 2007 and 2010. His strategic acumen was evident, and it wasn't long before he ascended to the role of head coach. Garrett took the helm in 2010, initially on an interim basis, before securing the position full-time from 2011 until 2019. Under his leadership, the Cowboys achieved an 85-67 record, with three playoff appearances—a commendable achievement given the competitive landscape of the NFL.
His success as a coach was further underscored when he was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2016, a testament to his ability to lead, communicate, and inspire. Garrett's coaching philosophy is encapsulated in his own words, emphasizing the importance of effective communication across all layers of 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…” he shared, pointing to the multi-faceted role of a successful coach in today's NFL.
Under Jerry's Influence
Garrett credits much of his learning and development to his interactions with Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' storied owner. “I learned a tremendous amount from Jerry Jones during my time there as a player, as an assistant coach, and as a head coach…” he reflects. Jones, at 82, has been a towering figure in football circles, maintaining a consistent approach to team management and operations. Garrett acknowledges this, noting that "Jerry is 82 years old, and he's done things a certain way for a long, long time."
Current Pursuits and Insights
Now serving as an analyst for NBC Sports, Garrett continues to offer his expertise and observations on the evolving landscape of the NFL. His insights extend beyond the Cowboys, as he looks toward other franchises that have found sustained success in recent years. "Look at the obvious examples: Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, some of the other ones," Garrett observes, highlighting teams that have managed to build strong organizational foundations leading to consistent playoff runs.
The Cowboys' Playoff Drought
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, despite numerous playoff appearances, have faced a challenging drought in terms of reaching the NFC title game, a streak spanning 13 consecutive playoff appearances since 1995. This statistic casts a shadow over the franchise's storied history, hinting at the need for introspection and strategy reevaluation as they aim to regain their once-dominant form.
Garrett's career, marked by varied roles and significant achievements, paints the portrait of a man deeply embedded in the fabric of the NFL. His insights not only reflect on his past experiences but also illuminate the path forward for teams striving to achieve the elusive balance of success on and off the field. Through his journey, Garrett exemplifies the qualities of resilience, adaptability, and leadership that define a successful career in professional sports.