Cowboys Officially Part With Jason Garrett
The Cowboys have officially announced that Jason Garrett will not return as the team’s head coach next season. While the news does not come as a surprise, the team had yet to make an official announcement. The announcement confirms an earlier report from Jay Glazer of Fox Sports that Dallas had informed Garrett of the decision.
Garrett’s status had been under question for much of the season and when the Cowboys were officially eliminated from the playoffs his fate seemed sealed. While nothing was officially announced, Dallas began interviewing other head coaching candidates, including former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy earlier this week.
The team’s statement refuses to call the move a firing, but rather says “the team would not seek a new agreement [with Garrett].” Garrett has long been held by Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones in high regard dating back to his days as a backup quarterback, but his inability to take Dallas deep into the playoffs forced Jones to make a move. In the end, Garrett finished his 10-year tenure as Cowboys head coach with an 85-67 regular season record and 2-3 postseason record.
Latest On Cowboys’ Coaching Search
Jason Garrett is still technically the coach of the Cowboys, but everything continues to indicate they’ll be moving on with the team already scheduling interviews with Marvin Lewis and Mike McCarthy. Here’s the latest on everything pertaining to Dallas’ search:
- The Cowboys were conspicuously quiet for a while, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t working behind the scenes. The McCarthy interview news just leaked Friday morning but the former Packers coach was apparently originally scheduled to interview on Thursday before rescheduling to accommodate his Browns interview, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). That proves owner Jerry Jones hasn’t just been sitting on his hands after the season ended.
- Garrett, meanwhile, is continuing to lobby Jones for another chance, as Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported in Sunday’s FOX pregame show. Jones has been steadfast in his decision to move on from Garrett, but Garrett is doing everything he can to keep his post. Meanwhile, the team’s interview with McCarthy went so well that McCarthy stayed an extra day in Dallas.
- Baylor coach Matt Rhule and Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley have also been connected to the Cowboys’ job. The Jones family should have a good read on their potential interest in the job since they have the same agent as McCarthy, tweets Albert Breer of SI.com. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says that Jones will gauge Riley’s interest, but Riley is unlikely to leave Oklahoma at this point (video link).
- The Lewis interview caught a lot of people by surprise, but there is one interesting link between the two sides. Jones is very good friends with Bengals owner Mike Brown, tweets Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Dehner writes that the two men “hold very similar view[s]” on handling their teams. Lewis, of course, was Cincinnati’s coach for 16 seasons and Brown was very reluctant to let him go. It’s possible that Brown recommended Lewis to Jones.
- Speaking of Lewis, Rapoport says the former Bengals HC would require that the Cowboys — or any club — hire Hue Jackson as his OC (video link). That could be a deal-breaker for the Cowboys given the presence of Kellen Moore.
- Garrett had told his assistants on expiring deals they were free to start looking for other work. Most assistants were on expiring deals like Garrett, but that notably excluded Moore and offensive line coach Marc Colombo, Breer tweets. The organization thinks very highly of Moore and he generally received positive reviews in his first year calling plays. Since both are still under contract, it’s quite possible the Jones’ will retain them even when they hire a new coach. Breer adds that Garrett hasn’t spoken to any of his staff since Monday.
Cowboys To Meet With Marvin Lewis
Things are moving fast in Dallas. Following news that Mike McCarthy will interview for the Cowboys head coaching job, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that the team will also meet with former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis today. We heard earlier today that Lewis could be a candidate for the gig. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the interview has already taken place.
While Lewis didn’t help the Bengals achieve any playoff success (0-7 in seven appearances) during his 16 years in Cincy, he did finish his tenure with a 131-122 record, including 10 seasons with at least eight victories. While the Bengals struggled between 2016 and 2018 (20-28), it was still a bit of a surprise when the organization moved on from Lewis last year. We heard that the 61-year-old would be well-positioned to secure another head coaching gig this offseason.
However, Lewis didn’t take any interviews last offseason, and he later revealed that he didn’t expect to coach again. He joined his friends Ray Anderson and Herm Edwards at Arizona State University as a special advisor back in May, and it’s believed that Lewis would consider an NFL gig if the right opportunity presented itself. The coach was mentioned as a candidate for the Redskins job before the organization hired Ron Rivera.
For those questioning the fate of Jason Garrett, ESPN’s Ed Werder opines (on Twitter) that the organization will simply allow the coach’s contract to expire. The soon-to-be-former head coach’s deal expires on January 14th.
Mike McCarthy To Meet With Cowboys
While the Cowboys haven’t said anything official about the status of head coach Jason Garrett, it sounds like the organization is preparing to meet with candidates. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is traveling to Dallas to meet with the Cowboys. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that the interview will take place today.
Rapoport adds that the organization is “laying the groundwork” for an inevitable head coaching search, with a particular focus on former NFL head coaches. To that end, Rapoport hints that Marvin Lewis could also be a candidate for the gig, with the former Bengals head coach receiving interest from some within the organization.
As our head coaching tracker shows, McCarthy has been one of the more popular names on the interview circuit, as he’s already interviewed for the Panthers, Browns, and Giants vacancies. McCarthy was out of the NFL for the entire 2019 campaign, but he spent the season studying film and designing plays in preparation for his next opportunity.
Now, the former Super Bowl winner becomes the first known candidate to (presumably) replace Garrett in Dallas. The former Packers head coach did have a pair of Hall of Famers (Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers) for nearly the entirety of his Green Bay stint, but he’d be inheriting an offense that has plenty of weapons of their own. His play-calling was also called into question towards the latter stages of his tenure, but it sounds like he was focused on improving that aspect of his coaching throughout the past year.
We heard yesterday that Garrett and the Cowboys were likely heading towards a divorce. The Cowboys were scheduled to meet with Garrett on Thursday, but that meeting was scrapped. Before the 86’d sit-down, the Cowboys were rumored to be considering a middle-ground scenario in which Garrett would remain with the organization in a different role. At this moment, a clean break seems more likely.
Earlier today, Rapoport reported (via Twitter) that the Cowboys aren’t expected to make any definitive announcement about Garrett until at least Monday. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Ed Werder tweets that the Cowboys head coach has been campaigning to keep his gig. Garrett’s contract is set to expire on January 14th.
Latest On Cowboys, Jason Garrett
There’s no official word on Jason Garrett‘s status, but it sounds like the Cowboys will be moving on from their longtime head coach. The saga is “expected to conclude soon” with Garrett’s dismissal, ESPN.com’s Ed Werder (on Twitter) hears. After that, the Cowboys will move on quickly and begin interviewing candidates for the job. 
[RELATED: 2020 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker]
Werder’s report stops just short of saying that a final determination has been made, but it sure sounds like the two sides are headed for divorce. The Cowboys, reportedly, were only planning to retain Garrett if the Cowboys made a deep playoff run. Unfortunately for the Princeton grad, the Cowboys finished 8-8, missed the playoffs, and ceded the division to the rival Eagles.
The Cowboys were scheduled to meet with Garrett at The Star on Thursday, but that meeting was scrapped. Before the 86’d sit-down, the Cowboys were rumored to be considering a middle-ground scenario in which Garrett would remain with the organization in a different role. At this moment, a clean break seems more likely.
If this is the end of the line for Garrett, he’ll leave the Cowboys as their second-winningest coach of all time and an overall record of 85-67. Only Tom Landry won more games for the franchise, but Garrett has just career two playoff wins to his credit. Under Garrett’s guidance, the Cowboys have never advanced beyond the divisional round.
Cowboys Expected To Part Ways With Jason Garrett
Another Jason Garrett role with the Cowboys does not look to be the plan. While the Cowboys have still not fired their head coach, that is expected to commence soon, Ed Werder of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
Earlier Thursday, Werder reported some in the organization wondered if this lengthy delay stemmed from Garrett being set to take another role with the franchise. But coaching interviews are expected soon, which should (in theory) come after the Cowboys announce they’ve fired the incumbent.
Garrett was slated to meet with Jerry and Stephen Jones on Thursday, but Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News adds that did not happen (Twitter link). Final clarity remains elusive, and the Cowboys remain days behind the other coach-needy teams. Some with the Cowboys have not seen a defined process or timeline take shape on this front, per Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson.
The team has interest in outside candidates, including Ravens OC Greg Roman. But the Cowboys have not moved on this, with Garrett still employed. While it appears the Cowboys are heading in the direction of firing Garrett, after weeks of rumors, this process is dragging due to the “abundance of care and respect” team brass has for its 10-year head coach, Werder adds.
2020 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
Not as many head coaching vacancies have emerged this year, compared to a fourth of the league hiring new HCs in 2019. But there are a few teams going through the process presently (and another taking its time in getting started).
Listed below are the head coaching candidates that have been linked to each of the teams with vacancies, along with their current status. If and when other teams decide to make head coaching changes, they’ll be added to this list. Here’s the current breakdown:
Updated 1/11/20, 2:43pm CT
Carolina Panthers
- Matt Rhule, head coach (Baylor): Hired
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed on 1/2
- Perry Fewell, interim head coach (Panthers): Expected to interview
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Packers): Twice interviewed
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): To interview on 1/7
- Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Expected to interview on 1/9
Cleveland Browns
- Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Hired
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed on 1/3
- Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed on 1/6
- Mike LaFleur, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Packers): Interviewed on 1/2
- Mike McDaniel, run-game coordinator (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/10
- Urban Meyer, former head coach (Ohio State): Mentioned as candidate; team denied interest
- Matt Rhule, head coach (Baylor): Turned down interview opportunity
- Greg Roman, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed on 1/2
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed on 1/4
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed on 1/8
Dallas Cowboys
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Packers): Hired
- Marvin Lewis, former head coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/4
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Cowboys interested?
New York Giants
- Joe Judge, special teams coordinator/wide receivers coach (Patriots): Hired
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview on 1/4
- Jason Garrett, former head coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Don “Wink” Martindale, defensive coordinator (Ravens): To interview on 1/4
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Packers): Interviewed on 1/3
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): To interview on 1/8
- Matt Rhule, head coach (Baylor): Interview cancelled
- Kris Richard, secondary coach (Cowboys): Interviewed on 1/2
Washington Redskins
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Panthers): Hired
Cowboys Considering New Role For Jason Garrett?
Could Jason Garrett return to the Cowboys in a different role? That’s what some members of the organization are wondering as Garrett gets set to meet with team brass (once again) on Thursday, Ed Werder of ESPN.com tweets. 
Garrett will chat with Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones on Thursday, his third face-to-face with the duo since the end of the season. Many have speculated that Garrett could be dismissed after failing to get the Cowboys into the playoffs. Now, it sounds like Garrett could be offered some sort of an alternative to being fired outright.
Garrett has been with the Cowboys for ten years, but this contract – which expires on January 14th – may be his last. Throughout the year, the buzz was that Garrett needed to get the Cowboys to the NFC championship game to keep his job. The team’s .500 finish, of course, came up short.
If Garrett is ousted – or moved to some other position – the job figures to hold appeal for just about every head coaching candidate out there. Baylor’s Matt Rhule, who has been selective in the past, might have the Cowboys on his NFL short-list. Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer may also be on the radar.
Cooper Not Expected To Hit Market?
Baylor’s Matt Rhule is rumored to the be the Giants‘ preferred candidate, and although he turned down the Jets last year, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv notes the native New Yorker is expected to consider leaving the college ranks to coach the Giants. This and the soon-to-be-available Cowboys job might be the only ones Rhule would presently consider, per Vacchiano. Rhule, who spent 2012 as the Giants’ assistant offensive line coach, has drawn interest from the Panthers and Browns as well. The 44-year-old college coach plans to go on vacation soon after Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl, but Vacchiano adds the Giants are expected to meet with him before he departs for said trip.
- In Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, the Cowboys have two of the league’s top free agents. Prescott is certainly not going anywhere and, despite the prospect of the team using its franchise tag on its quarterback, Cooper is not expected to reach the market, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News (on Twitter). Cooper continues to indicate Dallas is where he wants to be. The lack of a new collective bargaining agreement helps the Cowboys on this front, as they could use both their franchise and transition tags if no CBA is in place by March 10. However, to fully avoid the risk of losing one of these key players, the Cowboys would need to reach an extension with one of them before the March 10 franchise tag deadline. A wide receiver franchise tag is expected to cost just more than $18MM; a transition tag would come in at nearly $16MM.
Latest On Cowboys, Jason Garrett
Having bypassed Black Monday, and now Tuesday and most of Wednesday, the Cowboys have yet to fire Jason Garrett. The Cowboys are a bit behind on the coaching carousel as a result, but that does not appear to be a concern for the organization at this point.
However, this process may finally be headed toward a resolution. Garrett will meet with Jerry and Stephen Jones on Thursday, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. This will be the sides’ third meeting since the team’s season concluded.
Although the optics of this situation paint the Cowboys as being less certain on their decision than the Giants or Browns were on theirs, Moore adds that there are no expectations Garrett will be brought back for an 11th season. His contract expires Jan. 14 and is not expected to be renewed.
Garrett was believed to have needed to pilot the Cowboys to the NFC championship game to keep his job. With Dallas missing the playoffs after their spree of offseason extensions, there does not appear to be a way the longtime HC will keep his job. But the methodical pace here is certainly unusual in an era when firings on Week 17 Sunday occur annually.