ESPN reports Dallas Cowboys moving on from Jason Garrett per source
According to veteran ESPN reporter Ed Werder, an unnamed source has revealed that the Dallas Cowboys have decided to move on from head coach Jason Garrett.
The 8-8 Dallas Cowboys officially concluded their regular season on Sunday following the team’s 47-16 victory over the Washington Redskins. But in reality, the Cowboys season essentially ended the week prior once Dallas lost their NFC East lead to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Entering this past season, the Cowboys were believed to have Super Bowl-level talent on the roster. But questions continued to linger about their coaching staff. More specifically, head coach Jason Garrett. Entering his ninth season officially at the helm of America’s Team, Garrett was coming off yet another disappointing season.
In 2018, the Cowboys had started the season losing five of their first eight games. A midseason trade for Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper changed the direction of the franchise, allowing them to win seven of their final eight games, secure the divisional championship, and post an opening playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild-Card Round. But Dallas lost once again in the Divisional Round, this time to the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite coming off a playoff berth, Garrett’s previous mediocrity and his lack of postseason success led Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones not to extend his head coach’s contract beyond 2019. Entering this past season, the franchise’s second longest-tenured head coach in their history was once again a lame duck.
The message was clear. In order for Garrett to earn a contract extension, he’d need to take the Cowboys to the next level, beyond the Divisional Round of the playoffs. But, he failed to do so. In fact, the team failed to make the playoffs entirely.
Therefore, all eyes have been on Dallas waiting to hear word about the status of Garrett. And for five days now, the team has been radio silent.
On Thursday night, ESPN veteran reporter Ed Werder tweeted the following about a source telling him that the Cowboys have elected to finally move on from Garrett.
"“Source: #Cowboys Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have moved slowly and with ‘abundance of care and respect’ for Jason Garrett. That phase expected to conclude soon with Garrett not part of organization. Next phase to involve candidate interviews will begin quickly thereafter.”"
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The Dallas Cowboys have not officially announced Jason Garrett’s departure. And they’re not required to as the 53-year old head coach’s contract reportedly expires on January 14th. The organization can simply elect not to renew Garrett’s contract and move on with little to no fanfare. But until some sort of announcement is made, speculation about the head coach’s status will continue.