Jason Garrett: NFL Head Coach Biography

Background and Playing Career
Jason Garrett was born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania. Raised in a football family—his father, Jim Garrett, was a longtime NFL scout and coach—Jason developed a deep understanding of the game from an early age. He played quarterback at Princeton University after transferring from Columbia, earning Ivy League honors and setting school records. Garrett went undrafted in the 1989 NFL Draft but carved out a lengthy playing career as a backup quarterback. He is best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys (1993–1999), where he was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XXVIII and XXX) as a reserve behind Troy Aikman. Garrett also had stints with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins before retiring as a player in
2004. Coaching Career
Garrett began his NFL coaching career with the Miami Dolphins as a quarterbacks coach in
2005. He joined the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff in 2007 as the offensive coordinator. Known for his offensive acumen, Garrett quickly rose through the ranks and was named interim head coach midway through the 2010 season, following the firing of Wade Phillips. From 2011 to 2019, Jason Garrett served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Under his leadership, the Cowboys won three NFC East division titles (2014, 2016, 2018) and made three playoff appearances. He compiled an overall regular-season record of 85–67 as head coach. Garrett was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading the Cowboys to a 13–3 record. After parting ways with the Cowboys following the 2019 season, Garrett became the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants (2020–2021). Career Highlights and Accomplishments

• 2× Super Bowl champion (XXVIII, XXX) as a player with the Dallas Cowboys
• NFL Coach of the Year (2016)
• Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys (2010–2019): 85–67 record, 3 NFC East titles
• Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys (2007–2010), New York Giants (2020–2021)
• Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins (NFL playing career 1993–2004)
• Ivy League champion and All-Ivy selection at Princeton University

Additional Facts
Jason Garrett is known for his calm demeanor, analytical approach to the game, and steady leadership. He currently works as a football analyst and commentator after his coaching stints, sharing his extensive football knowledge with fans.

Legacy & Career Overview

Jason Garrett: A Comprehensive Biography

Jason Garrett is a well-known figure in the National Football League (NFL), renowned for his deep football acumen, leadership qualities, and adaptability—first as a player, then as a coach. Over the decades, Garrett has become synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, both on the field and on the sidelines, and his journey through the ranks of professional football is a testament to his passion and resilience.

Early Life and Background

Born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania, Jason Calvin Garrett grew up in a football-centric family. His father, Jim Garrett, was a long-time NFL assistant coach and scout, which instilled in Jason and his brothers a profound love for the game from an early age. The Garrett family moved often due to Jim’s coaching assignments, but football was always a unifying thread.

Collegiate Career

Garrett attended University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He began his collegiate football career at Princeton University, where he played quarterback. After his father became the head coach at Columbia University, Jason and his brothers transferred there, but after a season, they returned to Princeton when their father resigned. At Princeton, Garrett flourished, setting Ivy League records for completion percentage and becoming the Ivy League Player of the Year in
1988.

NFL Playing Career

Though undrafted in the 1989 NFL Draft, Garrett signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints, spending time on the practice squad. He later joined the San Antonio Riders of the World League of American Football (WLAF). Garrett’s NFL breakthrough came when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 as a backup quarterback behind Troy Aikman.

• Dallas Cowboys (1993–1999): As a Cowboy, Garrett became a fan favorite for his intelligence and readiness. He was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XXVIII, XXX) and is best remembered for his standout performance on Thanksgiving Day in 1994, when he led the Cowboys to a dramatic comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
• Later Career: After leaving Dallas, Garrett played for the New York Giants (2000–2003), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004), and Miami Dolphins (2004), primarily serving as a backup and mentor to younger quarterbacks. He retired with modest career statistics: 82 completions on 165 attempts, 1,042 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

Coaching Career

Garrett transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in
2005. His analytical mind and communication skills quickly earned him a reputation as a rising coaching talent.

• Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator (2007–2010): Garrett returned to Dallas as the offensive coordinator in
  2007. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ offense flourished, finishing second in the NFL in total offense that year. Garrett’s creative play-calling and quarterback development skills were widely praised, and he briefly interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs.
• Dallas Cowboys Head Coach (2010–2019): Garrett was named interim head coach during the 2010 season after the firing of Wade Phillips. He led the team to a 5–3 finish and was officially named head coach in January
  2011. Over his decade at the helm, Garrett compiled an 85–67 regular-season record and guided the Cowboys to three NFC East division titles (2014, 2016, 2018) and three playoff appearances. His 2016 team, led by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, finished 13–3, but fell in the divisional round. Garrett was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2016.
• New York Giants Offensive Coordinator (2020–2021): After leaving Dallas, Garrett became the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, working under head coach Joe Judge. His tenure was marked by offensive struggles, and he was relieved of his duties during the 2021 season.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Jason Garrett is known for his meticulous preparation, steady demeanor, and the “process”-oriented culture he established in Dallas. His coaching style emphasized discipline, consistency, and fundamentals. Though sometimes criticized for conservative decision-making, Garrett’s ability to develop young talent and maintain team unity was respected throughout the league.

Relevant Facts and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl Champion (XXVIII, XXX as a player with Dallas Cowboys)
• NFL Coach of the Year (2016)
• Career head coaching record: 85–67 (regular season), 2–3 (playoffs)
• Three NFC East Division titles: 2014, 2016, 2018
• Known for developing quarterbacks like Tony Romo and Dak Prescott
• Part of a football family: his brothers John and Judd also coached in the NFL
• Currently works as a football analyst and commentator for NBC Sports

Conclusion

Jason Garrett’s life in football is characterized by persistence, intellect, and a deep love for the game. Whether as a backup quarterback, a Super Bowl winner, or a head coach guiding America’s Team, Garrett’s impact on the NFL is enduring. His legacy continues to inspire players and coaches alike, making him a respected figure in the sport’s contemporary history.