BSO sources have told me that if Garrett doesn’t make it to the Playoffs that Jerry Jones is finally ready to pull the trigger and fire him. Jones will not do it during the season and will deny even thinking. Remember Jerry denied he was telling players they had to stand for the anthem until eventually, he came clean; something BSO also reported before it happened.
Jones sees the success of young innovative coaches like Sean McVay around the league and wants that type of offense. He is also looking into the college ranks to possibly strike gold as he did with Jimmy Johnson many years ago, Lincoln Riley of Oklahoma would be at the top of his list.
One source who is close to the situation had this to say.
“Jerry has always liked Jason and how he doesn’t interfere with Jerry being Jerry. The years with Jimmy Johnson and Parcells scarred him and he never wants to be in a situation like that again. Jason has been just successful enough that Jerry has never seriously considered firing him, but the mediocrity is getting to him. He loves watching offenses like the Rams, Eagles, Chiefs, Saints and etc. He feels the Cowboys could be like that, but they need a more innovative coach which is why he is looking into college ranks at Lincoln Riley or the young assistants from successful offensive teams. He doesn’t want an old retread, he wants something new and fresh.”
Jones has stated publicly he hasn’t discussed a contract extension with Garrett.
The only person in Dallas who actually knows if Garrett will be getting an extension anytime soon is Jones and he was asked about that exact topic during a Tuesday interview with 105.3 the Fan. Although the report came from a writer for the Cowboys’ official website, Jones still shot it down.
“I don’t know where Jeff is getting his information,” Jones said. “He’s pulling one out of the air there as far as any knowledge.”
“I would say that my response should not in any way indicate whether I’m thinking about it or whether it’s going to be there,” Jones said. “it’s just not something that I would have visited with anybody about, least of all Jeff.”
Another source tells BSO that Jones is very fond of Garrett and if he can turn things around and Cowboys make the playoffs, his job would be safe, but the conservative playcalling is driving him nuts.
From the people I have spoken to, Garrett is coaching for his job right now; it is still early enough in the season it could go either way, but Garrett is firmly on the hot seat. Expect Jones to give him a vote of confidence during the season, but just know the seed has been planted in Jones mind that it may be time to move on.