It’s not the popular choice, but keeping Jason Garrett as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is the right move for the franchise at this point.
Finding fans who support head coach Jason Garrett has not been easy throughout his 10-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. After inheriting a rather talented roster in 2010, Garrett trudged through his first three full seasons with a record of 8-8. He also continually lost in Week 17 when he had the NFC East title on the line.
Cowboys fans were critical of Garrett and continually called for him to lose play-calling duties — since it was clear Jerry Jones had no intention of firing him. Eventually, Garrett was stripped of his play-calling as the owner mandated a change — which is never a good sign.
This did result in positive change, including a 12-4 record in 2014. However, Garrett’s deficiencies as a coach showed in 2015 as they were just 4-12 that season as they were without quarterback Tony Romo for 12 games. Without the franchise quarterback, Garrett was just 1-11.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Garrett’s job was saved by Dak Prescott the following year but he has done nothing to prove he can guide this team on a deep playoff run. Now playing on the final season of his contract, Garrett has seen a terrific 3-0 start turn into a record of 6-6 with just four games to play.
After their latest loss at home to the Bills on Thanksgiving, Garrett’s seat became a raging inferno. Fans were praying to wake to news of the coach’s firing but instead, they got word that Jones and the rest of the front office want to roll with the perpetual clapper for the remainder of the season.
Frustrated fans have voiced their displeasure but this is, in fact, the right move — for now.
Dallas gains nothing by firing Garrett as his ouster wouldn’t usher in the drastic change this team needs. Sure, promoting someone such as defensive backs coach Kris Richard could spark a fire in the team down the stretch but it’s not as if his defensive play-calling has been all that impressive this season. It could also create the same issue the team had back in 2010 when Garrett took the reins.
Garrett was 5-3 as the interim down the stretch after the firing of Wade Phillips in 2010, which earned him his job. We see now that not much changed from that team and their inability to win big games. Promoting an assistant such as Richard would keep the staff similar to what they have now.
While he might not retain defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, he likely would keep many of the same assistants he has as well as some of the same offensive staff — meaning there won’t be the drastic change this team needs.
Instead of hiring someone already in house, the Cowboys need a wholesale change. It’s time for a new voice and a new direction.
Clearly, they need someone who understands how to use the mobile quarterback they have in Dak Prescott. They also need a defensive staff that can put players in a position to actually create turnovers.
So while it’s hard to see Garrett continue to clap away on the sidelines, this decision is the best for the long-term success of the franchise. The Cowboys need some change desperately, but that change could only be halted by firing Garrett and placing someone on his staff in charge.