Career Timeline of Jason Garrett: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jason Garrett built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jason Garrett is a former American football player and coach. He is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2010 to 2019. Prior to coaching, Garrett played quarterback in the NFL for several teams including the Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins. As a coach, he led the Cowboys to three NFC East titles but ultimately didn't achieve a Super Bowl appearance, leading to his departure after a decade with the team.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1989: Signed with New Orleans Saints

In 1989, Jason Garrett signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, marking the beginning of his professional football career.

September 3, 1990: Waived by the Saints

On September 3, 1990, Jason Garrett was waived by the New Orleans Saints. After being waived, he worked as a coaching assistant for Princeton.

June 4, 1991: Signed by Ottawa Rough Riders

On June 4, 1991, Jason Garrett was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League.

1991: Played for San Antonio Riders

In 1991, Jason Garrett played quarterback for the San Antonio Riders of the World League of American Football, but he suffered a separated right shoulder in the season opener.

1992: Signed by the Dallas Cowboys

In 1992, Jason Garrett signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent with the support of his father. He was initially released but later signed to the team's practice squad.

1992: Part of Super Bowl Winning Team

In 1992, Jason Garrett was part of the Dallas Cowboys team that won the Super Bowl.

1993: Made the Dallas Cowboys Roster

In 1993, Jason Garrett made the Dallas Cowboys roster as the third-string quarterback and eventually moved up the depth chart due to his performance. He became the starter after Troy Aikman was injured during a game against the New York Giants.

1993: Part of Super Bowl Winning Team

In 1993, Jason Garrett was part of the Dallas Cowboys team that won the Super Bowl.

1994: Led Cowboys to Thanksgiving Day Victory

In 1994, Jason Garrett led the Dallas Cowboys to a 42-31 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

1995: Part of Super Bowl Winning Team

In 1995, Jason Garrett was part of the Dallas Cowboys team that won the Super Bowl.

1998: Promoted to Backup Quarterback

In 1998, Jason Garrett was promoted to the backup quarterback position for the Dallas Cowboys. He took over after Troy Aikman's injury against the Denver Broncos and started the next five games, contributing a 3-2 record.

1999: Started Two Games for Cowboys

In 1999, Jason Garrett started two games for the Dallas Cowboys, achieving a 1-1 record.

2000: Signed with New York Giants

In 2000, Jason Garrett signed as a free agent with the New York Giants to serve as a backup to Kerry Collins.

February 27, 2002: Released and Re-signed by New York Giants

On February 27, 2002, Jason Garrett was released by the New York Giants for salary cap reasons, but he was re-signed on July 24.

2003: Inactive for 11 Games

In 2003, Jason Garrett was declared inactive in 11 games as the third-string quarterback for the New York Giants.

March 15, 2004: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On March 15, 2004, Jason Garrett signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

November 24, 2004: Signed with Miami Dolphins

On November 24, 2004, Jason Garrett signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins and was declared inactive for the last six games of the season.

2005: Became Quarterbacks Coach for Miami Dolphins

In 2005, Jason Garrett retired as a player and became the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins under head coach Nick Saban.

January 2007: Hired as Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator

In January 2007, Jason Garrett was hired by the Dallas Cowboys to be their offensive coordinator.

January 2008: Interviewed for Head Coaching Jobs

In January 2008, Jason Garrett interviewed for head coaching positions with the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons, receiving offers from both but choosing to remain with the Cowboys.

December 29, 2008: Detroit Lions Seek Permission to Speak with Garrett

On December 29, 2008, the Detroit Lions received permission to speak with Jason Garrett regarding the team's head coaching vacancy, according to ESPN sources.

2008: Thanksgiving Day Game Named a Top Moment in Texas Stadium History

In 2008, ESPN named Jason Garrett's 1994 Thanksgiving Day performance the fourth-best moment in the history of Texas Stadium.

January 2009: Interviewed for Denver Broncos Head Coach

In January 2009, Jason Garrett was interviewed by the Denver Broncos as a possible replacement for Mike Shanahan as head coach.

November 8, 2010: Named Interim Head Coach of Cowboys

On November 8, 2010, Jason Garrett was named the interim head coach of the Dallas Cowboys after Wade Phillips was fired.

2010: Finished Season as Interim Head Coach

In 2010, Jason Garrett finished the season with a 5-3 record as the interim head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

January 6, 2011: Named Head Coach of Cowboys

On January 6, 2011, Jason Garrett was officially named the eighth head coach in Dallas Cowboys history after serving as the interim head coach.

2013: Concluded Third Straight 8-8 Season

In 2013, Jason Garrett concluded his third straight 8-8 season as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

2014: Achieved Head-Coaching Success with Cowboys

In 2014, Jason Garrett achieved head-coaching success for the first time. The Cowboys finished atop the NFC East with a 12-4 record and advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

January 13, 2015: Agreed to Contract Extension with Cowboys

On January 13, 2015, Jason Garrett agreed to a contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, keeping him in Dallas for five more years with a $30 million payout.

2016: Named NFL Coach of the Year

In 2016, Jason Garrett was named the NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 13-3 record and the #1 seed in the NFC. The team was led by rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott.

2017: Cowboys Miss Playoffs

In 2017, the Dallas Cowboys, coached by Jason Garrett, finished with a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs, partially due to Ezekiel Elliott's suspension.

2018: Cowboys Clinch NFC East

In 2018, the Cowboys recovered from a 3–5 start to win the NFC East, marking the third time under Garrett's leadership. They defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round but were then defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

2019: Garrett's Tenure with the Cowboys Ends

In 2019, Jason Garrett's time as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys concluded as his contract was not renewed after the season.

2019: Cowboys Miss Playoffs

In 2019, the Cowboys concluded the season with an 8–8 record and did not qualify for the playoffs after leading the NFC East for a portion of the season.

January 5, 2020: Garrett's Contract Not Renewed

On January 5, 2020, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, declared that Garrett's contract would not be renewed. He concluded his Cowboys career with a regular-season record of 85–67 and a playoff record of 2–3.

January 17, 2020: Garrett Hired by Giants

On January 17, 2020, Garrett joined the New York Giants as their offensive coordinator under head coach Joe Judge.

November 23, 2021: Garrett Fired by Giants

On November 23, 2021, the Giants dismissed Garrett from his position. Subsequently, he was considered a leading candidate for the head coaching position at Duke University, but Mike Elko was ultimately hired.

April 12, 2022: Garrett Joins NBC Sports

On April 12, 2022, Garrett became an analyst for NBC Sports, covering the United States Football League. He later joined Jac Collinsworth for Notre Dame Football on NBC and became part of NBC's Football Night in America.

December 2022: Garrett Interviewed for Stanford Job

In December 2022, Garrett was interviewed and named a finalist for the head coaching position at Stanford but chose to remain with NBC as a studio analyst.

2022: Joins NBC Sports as a Color Commentator and Studio Analyst

In 2022, Jason Garrett became a color commentator for NBC Sports, providing commentary for Notre Dame football and serving as an alternate commentator for the NFL on NBC. He also became a studio analyst for NBC's NFL pregame show, Football Night in America.