False reports have been heard around the world that Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett has been fired. First off, he won’t be fired. His current five-year, $30 million contract expires on Jan. 14, so the team would simply decide not to bring him back; he would not be fired.
Nonetheless, why Jason Garrett is still here is the question of die-hard Cowboy fans.
It is obvious the only reason Garrett is still around is that the head coach that owner Jerry Jones wants is simply not available yet. This pretty much squashes all the latest Urban Meyer rumors. Jones wants a current NFL coach that has already proven himself at the professional level. There are three (maybe four) coaches that he wants.
The top candidate is Ravens defensive coordinator, Don “Wink” Martindale. The Ravens are ranked fourth in total defense, allowing 300.6 yards per game. They have allowed the third-lowest points scored against (17.6). If the Cowboys are pleased with current offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, then it’s a smart choice to get a defensive mindset to lead the Cowboys overall.
The second candidate is also in the Ravens organization. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is intriguing, as well. It’s no secret that the Ravens offense has catapulted this year and Roman is a big part of that scheme. Jones may be looking at getting a coach that can really exploit Dak Prescott’s advantages. The question here will be if the team decides to keep Moore in his current position.
A third option is making a trade for Minnesota’s Mike Zimmer. He also has a defensive mindset and the Cowboys need to showcase all the talent they have on the defensive side of the ball.
Lastly, and this a bit far-reaching, but I can see Jones making another aggressive approach just like he did last year for Saints coach Sean Payton. Jones regrets letting him walk years ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones can pull off the trade of the next decade here.
As the hours pass by and breaking news is mute at this point, Jones can be patient by waiting for who he truly wants. It also holds up the New York Giants. It was reported a few weeks ago that Garrett and the Giants had mutual interest, and the Giants have already fired their head coach.
So, for now, the “Garrett Glib” continues.
