Jerry Jones indecision could prove costly in Dallas Cowboys coaching search
By Randy Gurzi
Jason Garrett’s contract as Dallas Cowboys head coach expires Jan. 14 but the team is falling behind other clubs as Jerry Jones keeps doors open
The Dallas Cowboys 2019 season ended with a blowout over the Washington Redskins but it was their most hollow victory of the year. Dallas finished 8-8 (for the fourth time in Jason Garrett’s tenure) and missed the playoffs.
For fans who were frustrated with the direction of the team, this did at least offer some solace as it pretty much guaranteed there would be a new head coach in 2020.
With Garrett’s contract expiring, the belief all season was that he needed a big postseason run to prove he should be extended. The way the team fell apart at the end of the year was anything but extension worthy, so that should have meant the team would be requesting to interview top candidates on Black Monday.
Except, they aren’t. And according to Jane Slater, they might not for nearly two more weeks.
A team source tells me HC Jason Garrett’s contract expires on January 14th so it is possible that we may not hear any word until then. It would not be a firing it would simply be a decision to not renew #Cowboys
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) December 30, 2019
The news from Slater comes after Jones was incredibly indecisive following the loss and even said he wouldn’t close any doors.
That indecision from Jones is likely due to his respect for Jason Garrett. The two have known one another for years and Jones truly respects and appreciates Garrett. Giving him the respect to finish out his contract is admirable. But it’s also foolish.
News is already breaking around the NFL that other teams with openings are setting up interviews. League insider Adam Schefter has said that the Cleveland Browns are asking to interview Josh McDaniels and the Panthers could be right behind them.
Cleveland also reportedly has an interest in Mike McCarthy, another big-name coach with an offensive background that Dallas should probably consider.
Another insider, Chris Mortensen, says the New York Giants are looking at Matt Rhule, the coach for Baylor who is becoming a hot name in NFL coaching searches.
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It’s hard to see any outcome where the Cowboys don’t have a new coach in 2020. However, they need to act before Jan. 14 if they want to ensure they get the best candidate.