Jason Garrett is a former American football quarterback and current coach. He played college football at Princeton University and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints in 1989. Garrett played for the Saints, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins during his NFL career, primarily serving as a backup quarterback.
After retiring as a player, Garrett began his coaching career as an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins in 2005. He then served as the quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 2007 to 2010 before being promoted to offensive coordinator. In 2011, Garrett was named the interim head coach of the Cowboys after the firing of Wade Phillips. He led the team to a 5-3 record in the second half of the season and was named the permanent head coach in 2011.
Under Garrett's leadership, the Cowboys made the playoffs three times but were unable to advance past the divisional round. Garrett was known for his conservative play-calling and his loyalty to his players, often sticking with underperforming veterans over younger, more talented players.
Despite his lack of playoff success, Garrett was highly respected in the NFL coaching community and was often mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate for other teams. However, his tenure with the Cowboys came to an end in 2019 when the team decided not to renew his contract.
Garrett's football career has been marked by his intelligence and work ethic. He was known for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the field, and his attention to detail as a coach was highly regarded. While he may not have achieved the same level of success as some of his peers, Garrett's dedication to the game and his players has earned him a place in the annals of NFL history.
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