Let me start by saying that I do not want to hear about Super Bowl rings. I know the team hasn’t won one with Jason Garrett as head coach, but they’re coming. Yes, they, as in multiple–not just one, but many.
And, before anyone wants to start with the comparisons to Bill Belichick and his success in New England, how did his first four years turn out in Cleveland? When you want to argue that it was a different organization and front office, that’s like comparing old Jerry Jones to new Jerry Jones.
Think about this for a second. In 2010, the Cowboys were literally embarrassed on national television and basically quit on coach Wade Phillips. Jason Garrett was named interim head coach and led the team to a 5-3 record to end the year.
Over the next three years, the Cowboys finished 8-8, and when the 2013 season ended almost everyone was calling for coach Garrett to be fired.
What hardly ever gets discussed is that fact that Dallas was actually rebuilding. They went from one of the oldest teams in the NFL to one of the youngest and never had to endure a 3-13 season like most teams do.
In 2014, all the talk was about predictions of a Cowboys losing record and the eventual firing of Garrett. But, it didn’t happen. The team won the NFC East with a 12-4 record and ended the season one overturned call from playing in the NFC Championship.
What changed? How did the team, projected to possibly having a top 10 draft pick, get to where they did?
The answer is simple: Jason Garrett–his plan and philosophies.
Locker room culture, the way the team drafts, practice intensity, even the way in which players and coaches interview, have changed.
Whether it’s from Garrett, his staff or the players, you hear about progress, position flex, starting over from the beginning, stacking one good day on top of the other, just to name a few things we hear about in every press conference or interview.
Have you seen or listened to a Garrett press conference? It’s guaranteed to begin with, “How we doin’ guys?” And, if the press’ response isn’t enthusiastic enough, he makes them try it again.
Whenever players and coaches are interviewed, you’ll always hear them say that they’re going to study the tape to learn where they can improve, and how they will continue to take it one day at a time. Their goal is to just get better each and every day.
Not including this year’s incoming draft class, by my count, the Cowboys currently have 16 of 31 players currently on the roster since 2011, when Garrett was named head coach. That’s a pretty damn good average for any team and that doesn’t even include undrafted players.
Will the Cowboys win the Super Bowl in 2015? Who knows? The NFL is a long and grueling 16 game season–injuries will happen, and suspensions could incur because of bonehead decisions by a player.
We do know one thing.
We know that Jason Garrett is building his team the right way, which could very well lead to multiple Super Bowls in the future. And, because of that, he should be in the discussion as one of the best coaches in the NFL.
Tell us what you think. Should Jason Garrett be in the discussion as one of the NFL’s best coaches?
