Jason Garrett Career Overview
Jason Garrett is a professional football coach and former NFL quarterback who served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2010 to 2019. He took over as interim coach in 2010 and was named the permanent head coach later that year. His regular-season record as Cowboys head coach was 85–67, with multiple playoff appearances and division titles. He later worked as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets and is widely referenced in NFL coaching discussions via ESPN player and coaching profiles.
Garrett played college football at Princeton University, where he set multiple Ivy League passing records. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and spent most of his playing career with the Cowboys, serving primarily as a backup quarterback. His transition from player to coach began within the Cowboys organization, where he held several offensive coaching roles before becoming head coach according to Pro Football Reference career data.
Jason Garrett Head Coaching Record and Tenure
As Cowboys head coach, Garrett led the team to five playoff berths, including an NFC East division title in 2014 and a 13–3 regular-season record that year. His teams were known for a balanced offensive approach, often ranking in the top half of the league in total offense. He was fired after the 2019 season following a 6–10 campaign and was replaced by Mike McCarthy.
After leaving Dallas, Garrett joined the New York Jets as offensive coordinator in 2020 under head coach Adam Gase. He later worked in advisory and coaching roles within the NFL and has remained a visible figure in football circles. His coaching style is often described as conservative yet effective, with an emphasis on quarterback development and situational play-calling per the official NFL coaches page.
Jason Garrett Earnings and Post-Coaching Career
During his tenure as Cowboys head coach, Jason Garrett earned an estimated total compensation of over $30 million, with peak annual salaries exceeding $9 million in later seasons. His contracts included base salary, incentives tied to wins and playoff appearances, and performance bonuses. He is among the higher-paid coaches in NFL history relative to tenure and team success.
Garrett has not held a full-time head coaching position since 2019 but remains active in football through consulting and media appearances. He is frequently cited in discussions about Cowboys coaching history and NFL offensive strategy. His career trajectory from undrafted player to head coach is often used as a case study in NFL coaching development as reported by Forbes on his coaching legacy and earnings.