Jason Garrett’s tenure as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys provides an insightful case study into what kind of coach might succeed with such a storied NFL franchise. The Dallas Cowboys, often regarded as “America’s Team,” come with high expectations, immense media attention, and a passionate fanbase. Understanding the type of coach who can navigate this challenging environment requires an exploration of Garrett’s time as head coach, his philosophies, leadership style, and the challenges he faced.
Garrett, who was hired as the Cowboys’ head coach in 2010 and served until 2019, experienced both success and criticism during his tenure. His experiences, combined with a deep understanding of what worked (and what didn’t) under his leadership, provide a framework for understanding the kind of coach who can thrive in Dallas.
This essay will analyze Garrett’s time with the Cowboys and identify the key traits and strategies that a successful coach should possess to lead the team effectively.
Jason Garrett’s Leadership Journey
Background and Philosophy
Jason Garrett entered the NFL as a quarterback, playing for the Cowboys in the late 1990s. After his playing career ended, he moved into coaching, working with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants before joining the Cowboys as offensive coordinator in 2007. This role, along with his intimate knowledge of the Cowboys’ culture, made him a natural fit for the head coach position when he took over in 2010, initially as an interim coach following Wade Phillips’ dismissal.
Garrett’s coaching philosophy was centered on discipline, execution, and the “no excuses” mentality. He emphasized preparation, accountability, and a meticulous focus on execution, all of which were key aspects of his coaching persona. He was known for his calm demeanor and methodical approach, often keeping a tight grip on the team’s performance both on and off the field.
Despite being regarded as a “player’s coach” in many ways, Garrett’s inability to consistently take the Cowboys deep into the playoffs led to questions about his leadership style. Throughout his time with the team, he was often criticized for not motivating the players enough or for failing to adjust during high-pressure moments in games.
The Importance of Leadership and Consistency
One of Garrett’s main shortcomings as head coach was his inability to deliver sustained postseason success. While Garrett’s coaching philosophy promoted consistency and building a strong culture, his Cowboys teams often seemed to falter when it mattered most, especially in high-stakes games such as playoff matchups or divisional games. A successful coach in Dallas needs to be able to navigate these high-pressure moments and deliver both leadership and motivation in equal measure.
Garrett’s success in building a consistent regular season team demonstrated his ability to create a stable program. However, his inability to elevate the Cowboys in critical moments—such as in playoff games or close matches against rivals—showed that success in Dallas requires more than consistency. It also demands a coach who can inspire his players to rise to the occasion when it counts the most.
Key Characteristics of a Successful Cowboys Coach
1. Ability to Manage High Expectations
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL. With a rich history of success, including five Super Bowl titles, the franchise has always been expected to compete for championships. Garrett’s tenure highlighted the pressures of managing such lofty expectations. While Garrett’s teams were often competitive, they did not deliver postseason glory, leaving fans and critics frustrated.
A successful coach with the Cowboys must be able to handle these pressures. It’s not enough to merely perform well during the regular season; the coach must be able to deal with the media attention, fan expectations, and constant scrutiny. An effective coach must possess a mental fortitude that allows them to lead through adversity without being distracted by external pressure.
2. Strong Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
While Garrett’s approach was often described as calm and measured, his leadership style didn’t always translate into motivating his players during critical moments. Emotional intelligence and the ability to rally the team during high-pressure situations are essential qualities for any successful head coach in Dallas. A successful coach must understand the personalities of his players, adapt his approach to meet the needs of each individual, and know how to inspire confidence in moments of crisis.
Garrett’s leadership style was at times criticized for lacking passion or urgency, especially in big moments. It’s important for a coach in Dallas to strike the right balance between being composed and passionate, ensuring that players feel the urgency of a given situation without being overwhelmed by it.
3. Innovative and Adaptable Game Planning
During his time as head coach, Garrett’s offensive schemes were often criticized as predictable and overly conservative. While Garrett was known for promoting a balanced attack and a strong running game, he struggled to adjust when opponents adapted to his style or when injuries to key players forced changes.
A successful coach in Dallas must be able to innovate and adapt. NFL offenses, especially in today’s high-octane game, require constant evolution. A head coach needs to have a modern understanding of offensive football, knowing when to pass, when to run, and how to exploit weaknesses in the opposing defense. Garrett’s inability to make these adjustments at times underscored the need for a coach who can think outside of the box and be flexible with their game plan.
Additionally, defensive innovation is crucial. The Cowboys have historically been a high-powered offensive team but often struggled on the defensive side of the ball. A coach must be able to build a cohesive defensive strategy to complement the offense. Emphasizing both offensive and defensive creativity is key to success in Dallas, particularly given the competitiveness within the NFC East.
4. Developing and Empowering Players
Garrett was seen as a strong developer of talent, especially in terms of quarterbacks, having worked closely with Tony Romo, and later Dak Prescott. His ability to mold a young, unproven quarterback into a reliable starter was a positive aspect of his tenure. However, while Garrett had success in this area, questions arose about his ability to maximize the potential of other players on the roster, especially when it came to utilizing the team’s overall talent effectively.
A successful coach for the Cowboys must be able to identify and develop talent across all positions. Dallas often has high-caliber players, and a good coach should know how to get the most out of these individuals. Garrett’s success in developing Prescott, for example, shows the importance of player development, but a coach must also apply this development strategy across the entire roster.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of empowerment, where players feel accountable yet supported, is critical. A coach must know how to help players take ownership of their roles while also being able to step in and lead when necessary.
5. Effective Use of Technology and Analytics
Football has evolved significantly in recent years, with technology and analytics playing an increasing role in game preparation and strategy. A successful coach in Dallas must not only be an effective motivator but also someone who embraces data, film analysis, and advanced metrics in order to maximize team performance. Jason Garrett’s tenure saw a bit of this shift, but it wasn’t always clear if he was fully utilizing the latest tools available to NFL coaches.
In a modern NFL environment, a coach must be well-versed in analytics and be able to apply these findings to in-game decisions, personnel evaluations, and game preparation. The ability to adapt to a more data-driven approach is crucial for the next Cowboys coach.
