The Dallas Cowboys lead the NFC East right now, but at 6-6 they’re stumbling along. It just takes getting into the playoffs to have a chance to make some noise, and they’ve certainly got some playmakers who could create problems in January. That being said, the Cowboys history in general and particularly this season does not inspire confidence in Jason Garrett’s team.
Which of course brings us to Garrett. He seems to be perpetually on the hot seat, and it might be getting especially toasty this year. Dak Prescott is having his best year, Ezekiel Elliott is doing this thing, and Jerry Jones has invested considerably in upgrading the team.
There has been talk of Jones considering making a change for 2020, but the Cowboys owner has not been entirely clear on the matter. He is clearly not happy, but he also seems hesitant to make a move. In spite of some brutal losses in recent weeks, Jones has said he does not want to make an in-season coaching change.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on why he doesn’t want to make an in-season coaching change: “First of all, Jason Garrett is a good coach. He’s also one of the hardest working coaches. He knows this team better than anybody. ... I’m glad to have him. He is the guy for the job.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 3, 2019
The question is what will save Garrett’s job. Would it take a couple playoff victories? A trip to the Super Bowl? I doubt a Lombardi is necessary, but if the Cowboys don’t make noise in January, it seems likely that Garrett gets canned.
On Tuesday, Jones offered up an odd semi-sort-of vote of confidence. He said Garrett is one of the coaches qualified to win a Super Bowl, but then he also said “Jason Garrett will be coaching in the NFL next year.” That does not read like an owner psyched about bringing his head coach back for another season.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan: “Nobody has the exclusive skills to get the job done so that collectively you can win a Super Bowl. But there are qualified people. Jason Garrett is one of them. In my opinion, Jason Garrett will be coaching in the NFL next year.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 3, 2019
The Carolina Panthers fired Ron Rivera on Tuesday, which follows Washington’s decision earlier in the season to fire Jay Gruden. It’s safe to say there will be at least two or three more openings, if not more. Jerry Jones seems indecisive at this point when it comes to Garrett and one has to wonder if any decision will come too late and screw up the whole situation.
For now, Garrett is not going anywhere. If the Cowboys win the NFC East, the wait will carry into January. Maybe they surprise everyone and make a Super Bowl run. More than likely, they’re just delaying the inevitable decision.