Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
One of my first articles for Rant Sports was naming the numerous reasons to why the Dallas Cowboys would have Jason Garrett as their coach for years to come. It was, and still is, painfully obvious that Garrett is not on any kind of seat that would require the fire department. In short, Garrett’s job is very safe, for at least this season and next year.
That article pointed out just how much affection Jerry Jones has for Garrett and how much he thinks of the coach. Today, on his weekly radio spot with KRLD-FM, 105.3, Jones backed Garrett’s play calling near the end of the game and as head coach. “The defense was not giving us anything,” Jones said. “Plus, that’s their strength is their front seven. … I have no quarrel with those calls there. We changed a play. We did have an option to run the play. If they had lined up differently we could have run the ball. But under the circumstances, the way they lined up, I don’t second-guess the call.”
Whether you agree with what Jones had to say, or what he has said about Jason Garrett, it’s still clear that Garrett is going nowhere as the Dallas Cowboys head coach. Fans need to understand that, just as they need to understand that Jerry Jones isn’t changing and he’ll remain the GM of his team.
I’m a Garrett fan and I believe he’s still got the Cowboys moving in the right direction, but “the process” is taking too long. Garrett also seems to have problems as a game manager so my belief in Garrett is cooling.
I spoke with people this week about Garrett and here is what I think of the entire situation. I like Garrett and as I’ve said, he’s bringing the right approach to the Cowboys. In his first few seasons he’s cut a ton of under performing players, he’s drafted well, brought in high quality players who bring a love for the game and who are leaders. Garrett’s player analysis has been great and the team has brought in good free agents and quality players that no one else has thought much of and turned them into solid players. His teams have been ready to play.
We also have to remember this Cowboys team is still a year away. I wrote before the season that this team still needed another draft and free agency period to continue to upgrade the offensive line and improve depth at a few other positions. Garrett has drafted well but more players are needed and any Cowboys fan who felt this team was a championship contender were delusional. A good team was, and still is, possible but the Super Bowl was a pipe dream. Steady improvement was needed and expected.
It seems like a ringing endorsement of Garrett and for the most part it is, but his major problem continues to be as a game day coach. Of course that is a huge part of an NFL , the actual games. He needs to lighten his load so he can work on becoming a better head coach, instead of head coach/offensive coordinator. Bill Callahan holds the title of offensive coordinator/assistant head coach, so let him do his job. Let Callahan coordinate the offense and give Garrett more free time to work on game day management.
Perhaps that change would help. The only way to know is for one of the smartest men in football to actually realize that something needs to change. The approach needs change because the results need to be better. What he’s doing right now isn’t working and trying a new approach is needed.
I don’t know what will happen over the course of the next nine games but I do know this, Jason Garrett isn’t going anywhere. Wanting him fired or thinking his job is in jeopardy is useless because it’s not. Jerry Jones is the only person that matters in this equation and he loves Garrett.
Which means Jason Garrett’s pants are just fine, and so is his seat. No heat check needed.
you can follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi
