Amid the perennial shifts and turns of the NFL, few figures are as deeply intertwined with the Dallas Cowboys' narrative as Jason Garrett. Originally donning the Cowboys' iconic silver and blue as a quarterback from 1993 to 1999, Garrett accumulated not only glitzy stats but also a profound understanding of the franchise's DNA. His time behind center saw him secure victory in six out of his nine starts, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Transition to the Sidelines
Garrett's journey with the Cowboys didn’t end when he hung up his cleats. In 2007, he returned as the team's offensive coordinator, a role he embraced until 2010. His strategic acumen was soon called upon even further, as he was appointed interim head coach in 2010 before taking on the position full-time in 2011. Under Garrett’s stewardship, the Cowboys achieved an 85-67 record and three playoff appearances, a period characterized by notable triumphs and learning opportunities.
In 2016, the NFL recognized Garrett’s impact, naming him Coach of the Year. Delving into his leadership, Garrett once reflected, “The kind of coach who thrives there is someone who is a really good coach.” His philosophy extends beyond the locker room, emphasizing a holistic leadership approach: “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.” His tenure with the Cowboys was as much about developing personal leadership as it was about tactical on-field maneuvers.
Learning from Giants
Throughout his career, Garrett had the fortune—and challenge—of working alongside Jerry Jones, the indomitable owner of the Cowboys. Reflecting on this period, Garrett noted, "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 dynamic relationship between Garrett and Jones, marked by a shared ambition for greatness, was central to Garrett's growth as a leader.
However, the weight of history loomed over Garrett's coaching tenure. Despite his accomplishments, the Cowboys have grappled with a 13-season streak of playoff appearances without reaching the NFC title game since 1995. This pressure was palpable and unavoidable, yet Garrett handled it with introspective calm and grace. Speaking on Jones’s longstanding methods, Garrett acknowledged, "Jerry is 82 years old, and he's done things a certain way for a long, long time."
Finding Inspiration in Success
As a sports analyst for NBC Sports, Garrett's insights draw not only from his own experiences but also from observations of other successful franchises. He often references thriving NFL teams, highlighting, “Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, some of the other ones,” as examples of excellence and perhaps as models for aspiring championship contenders.
In many ways, Garrett's career reflects a broader narrative of perseverance, adaptability, and learning within the ever-evolving world of professional football. While his time with the Cowboys as head coach ended in 2019, his journey in the sport is far from over. As an analyst, Garrett continues to contribute to the football discourse, illuminating the pathways to success for franchises across the league while drawing from a wellspring of personal and professional experiences.
Garrett’s story serves as a compelling chapter in the Dallas Cowboys’ storied history, embodying the challenges, triumphs, and continuous evolution that define the life of a coach in the NFL. His journey reveals that in the fast-paced world of professional sports, the lessons learned along the way are often as valuable as the victories achieved.