SAN FRANCISCO – Jason Garrett, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, is approaching the end of his fourth season as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports, covering Super Bowl LX. Throughout January, Garrett interviewed for the Tennessee Titans‘ head coaching position, which was eventually awarded to Robert Saleh, raising questions about whether Garrett plans to return to coaching.
When asked about his coaching future, Garrett remained focused on his present work.
“I’m just really living in the present and enjoying what I’m doing,”
he said.
“I get a chance to do some college games, I get a chance to back up [Mike] Tirico on some NFL games and then do our stuff on Football Night in America on Sunday nights. Just really enjoy all aspects of it. I love playing, I love coaching, I love everything I’ve done in football.”
Assessment of Cowboys’ 2025 Season and Offensive Build
Although no longer with the team, Garrett continues to monitor the Cowboys closely due to his connections with the organization and his profession. His attention turned especially to Dallas‘ offense, which ranked second overall in 2025. He acknowledged the solid offensive performance and the key players contributing to it.
“I thought they did some good things,”
Garrett noted.
“Obviously, Dak played really well and offensively there’s a lot of good things. A lot of resources went to the offensive side of the ball. They have CeeDee Lamb, they have Pickens, they drafted [Tyler Booker] in the first round, so a lot of resources over there and I think they played well. Defensively obviously is where they struggled the most. I just think they’re in the process of trying to build something.”
George Pickens’ Role as a Catalyst in Dallas’ Offensive Revival
One of the most impactful additions to the Cowboys’ offense in 2025 was wide receiver George Pickens, who had a breakout season with Dallas. Despite early doubts about whether Pickens would fit their system, Garrett was confident due to both Pickens’ talent and the quarterback managing the offense.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Garrett said, emphasizing Pickens’ value.
“Somebody asked me when they first got him, ‘Do you think this is a good trade?’ And I said ‘absolutely,’ and the biggest reason was Dak Prescott. I was fortunate to be around Dak in the early part of his career, and his ability to connect with different people, and his ability to bring the best out in all of those guys is rare.”
Garrett further explained how Prescott’s leadership helped Pickens thrive.
“I think that’s probably his greatest strength. So when they got Pickens, I know he had some issues for different reasons in Pittsburgh, but I thought it was a good fit for them because Dak knows how to relate to players, all different kinds of players. I knew he would work hard to develop a relationship with Pickens and bring out his best, and that’s certainly what happened.”
Challenges and Strategies in Rebuilding the Cowboys Defense
While the offense flourished, Garrett pointed out that Dallas faced ongoing challenges on defense. He stressed the necessity for shrewd personnel decisions to enhance that side of the ball. Key defensive players such as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence have been vital, but new additions have also emerged.
“The personnel decisions are well scrutinized there over the last couple of years,”
Garrett remarked.
“You have a guy like Micah Parsons, you have DeMarcus Lawrence, you let those guys out. But now there’s Kenny Clark there, there’s Quinnen Williams, both really good players. New coordinator there now, and I think it’s important for them to just make good personnel decisions on that side of the ball and build it the right way. Whether it’s in the draft, also through free agency, they have to bolster that side of the ball.”
Encouragement for Brian Schottenheimer’s Second NFL Head Coaching Season
With Brian Schottenheimer entering his second year as Dallas’ head coach in 2026, Garrett offered his perspective based on his own experience. Although he refrained from offering specific advice, Garrett encouraged Schottenheimer to trust his instincts and continue progressing.
“I have no advice to give him,”
Garrett said.
“I think he’s done a good job, tell him to trust his instincts and keep going.”
Endorsements for Cowboys Legends Jason Witten and Darren Woodson
Before Garrett’s upcoming Super Bowl coverage, he reflected on two former Cowboys players receiving recognition for their Hall of Fame candidacies. Tight end Jason Witten, who holds the franchise record for receptions, earned Garrett’s strong endorsement.
“I think he’s a slam dunk first-ballot Hall of Famer,”
Garrett stated.
“What is he, [fourth] all-time in receptions in the National Football League? I think those are Hall of Fame credentials… certainly an elite player at his position throughout his time in the NFL and one of the all-time greats.”
Although Garrett never coached Darren Woodson, the Cowboys’ all-time leading tackler and also a Hall of Fame finalist, he expressed similar admiration.
“You go back to those championship teams we had in Dallas in the ’90s, ask anybody on those teams who was one of the leaders and one of the biggest difference makers we had. To a man, everybody would say Darren Woodson,”
Garrett said.
“His numbers speak for itself. In a franchise like the Cowboys where they’ve had so many amazing players… he just did so much… he’s a Hall of Famer in my book, and anybody who is ever around him and watches football, I think they would agree with that.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Cowboys and Garrett’s Path
Jason Garrett’s reflections underscore the interplay of talent, leadership, and strategic decisions shaping the Cowboys’ trajectory as they work to strengthen both offense and defense. George Pickens’ arrival and adaptation highlight how key additions can elevate a team’s potential when paired with effective leadership from Dak Prescott. On defense, the ongoing rebuild remains central to Dallas sustaining long-term success.
Garrett’s current role as an analyst allows him to remain closely connected to the game while imparting perspective shaped by his coaching background. The evolving stories of players like Pickens, the leadership of Schottenheimer, and the legacies of figures such as Witten and Woodson all contribute to a deeper understanding of the Cowboys’ identity as they prepare for the seasons ahead.
