Jason Garrett – NBC Announces Contract Extension Through 2026 Season
Jason Garrett has found a new home in the broadcasting booth with NBC Sports. Since April 2022, he has been working as a studio analyst for Football Night in America, which remains the most-watched studio show in sports. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach has successfully transitioned from the sidelines to the commentary box, bringing his extensive football knowledge to viewers nationwide.
After years of coaching in the NFL, Garrett’s insight and experience make him a valuable addition to NBC’s coverage team. His role isn’t limited to the studio – he’s also been part of NBC’s Notre Dame football broadcasts, working alongside colleagues like Jack Collinsworth to call the action from the booth.
The coach-turned-commentator joined NBC following his lengthy coaching career, most notably his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Garrett’s broadcasting career represents a new chapter for the football lifer, who continues to share his football acumen with fans in a different capacity than the coaching role that defined much of his professional life.
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Early Life and Career
Jason Garrett’s journey from Ivy League quarterback to NFL player and coach showcases his lifelong connection to football. His development at Princeton established his football intelligence, which carried through his playing days and into a successful coaching career.
College Athletics at Princeton University
Jason Garrett attended Princeton University where he developed into one of the most accurate passers in Ivy League history. At Princeton, Garrett holds the Ivy League career record for completion percentage at 66.5%, demonstrating his precision as a quarterback early in his career.
Garrett graduated from Princeton in 1989 after leaving his mark on the Tigers’ football program. His academic background at this prestigious institution would later influence his analytical approach to coaching.
During his time in the Ivy League, Garrett showed leadership skills that would become his trademark in professional football. His understanding of offensive concepts and ability to read defenses separated him from other collegiate quarterbacks of his era.
NFL Playing Career
After Princeton, Garrett carved out a respectable career as an NFL quarterback, primarily serving as a backup. Most notably, he spent several years with the Dallas Cowboys during their successful run in the 1990s.
Garrett’s playing career included stints with multiple franchises including the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints. Though not often a starter, his football IQ made him a valuable member of quarterback rooms throughout his career.
His most memorable moment as a player came on Thanksgiving Day 1994 when, filling in for an injured Troy Aikman, he led the Cowboys to a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. This performance cemented his reputation as a capable backup who could deliver when called upon.
Transition to Coaching
Garrett’s move into coaching seemed natural given his cerebral approach to the game and football lineage. His father Jim was a longtime football coach and scout at both college and NFL levels, providing Jason with a blueprint for his coaching career.
His coaching journey began as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2005-2006 under Nick Saban. This opportunity allowed Garrett to develop his coaching philosophy before returning to the Dallas Cowboys organization.
Garrett’s ability to communicate complex concepts clearly helped him rise through coaching ranks. He eventually became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, where he served for nearly a decade before transitioning to broadcasting with NBC Sports where he now provides analysis and commentary.
Coaching Highlights
Jason Garrett built a notable coaching career spanning multiple NFL teams and roles. His journey included working as an assistant, leading the Dallas Cowboys as head coach, and serving as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
Assistant Coaching Roles
Garrett’s coaching career began in 2005 with the Miami Dolphins as quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban. His work with quarterback Gus Frerotte helped the Dolphins achieve a respectable 9-7 record that season.
In 2007, Garrett joined the Dallas Cowboys as offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Cowboys offense ranked second in the NFL in scoring in 2007, averaging 28.4 points per game. The offense featured Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, and Marion Barber, forming one of the league’s most potent units.
His success as coordinator quickly made him a hot coaching prospect. The Cowboys gave him the title of Assistant Head Coach in 2008, with a salary of approximately $3 million annually—at the time among the highest for any coordinator.
Head Coach for the Dallas Cowboys
Garrett took over as interim head coach of the Cowboys midway through the 2010 season, replacing Wade Phillips after a 1-7 start. He went 5-3 in that interim role, earning the permanent position in January 2011.
As head coach, Garrett compiled a respectable record with the Cowboys:
| Season | Record | Division Finish | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8-8 | 3rd in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
| 2012 | 8-8 | 3rd in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
| 2013 | 8-8 | 2nd in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
| 2014 | 12-4 | 1st in NFC East | Lost Divisional Round |
| 2015 | 4-12 | 4th in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
| 2016 | 13-3 | 1st in NFC East | Lost Divisional Round |
| 2017 | 9-7 | 2nd in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
| 2018 | 10-6 | 1st in NFC East | Lost Divisional Round |
| 2019 | 8-8 | 2nd in NFC East | Missed playoffs |
Garrett won three NFC East division titles and was named NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press in 2016. His overall record as Cowboys head coach was 85-67 in the regular season, but just 2-3 in the postseason.
Offensive Coordinator for the New York Giants
After parting ways with Dallas following the 2019 season, Garrett joined the rival New York Giants as offensive coordinator under Joe Judge in 2020. His tenure with the Giants was challenging from the start.
The Giants offense struggled significantly under Garrett’s direction. In 2020, they ranked 31st in total offense and scoring, averaging just 17.5 points per game.
The 2021 season showed little improvement before Garrett was dismissed in November after a Monday Night Football loss to Tampa Bay. His offense remained near the bottom of league rankings, hampered by offensive line issues and injuries to key players like Saquon Barkley.
Garrett’s conservative offensive approach faced criticism from fans and media during his Giants tenure. His system, which worked well with Dallas’s talent, failed to adapt to the Giants’ personnel limitations.
Broadcasting Career
After stepping away from coaching, Jason Garrett transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, bringing his football expertise to television audiences nationwide. His analytical skills and deep understanding of the game quickly made him a valuable addition to NFL coverage.
NBC Sports Engagement
Garrett joined NBC Sports in April 2022 as a television analyst, marking a new chapter in his football journey. His initial assignment included coverage of the United States Football League (USFL), where he showcased his broadcasting talents for the first time.
The former Cowboys head coach didn’t take long to find his voice in the broadcast booth. His technical knowledge of offensive schemes and quarterback play provided viewers with insightful commentary.
NBC executives were impressed with Garrett’s preparation and natural on-camera presence. His ability to break down complex football concepts into digestible explanations made him an immediate asset to the network’s sports coverage.
Football Night in America
Garrett’s role at NBC expanded when he became a studio analyst for Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports television. Working from NBC’s International Broadcast Center, he offers pre-game and post-game analysis alongside the show’s veteran broadcasting team.
His contributions to NBC’s NFL pregame show include breaking down key matchups, analyzing coaching decisions, and providing quarterback insights drawn from his own playing experience.
The former coach brings a unique perspective to Sunday Night Football coverage, having served as both a player and coach in the league. Viewers appreciate his balanced approach and straightforward analysis.
Garrett’s broadcasting style features clear explanations without coaching jargon, making him accessible to casual fans while still satisfying hardcore football enthusiasts. His smooth transition from sideline to studio demonstrates his versatility as a football professional.
Teammates and Collaborators
Jason Garrett has built strong relationships with several notable personalities since joining NBC Sports in April 2022. His analyst role on Football Night in America has paired him with some of the most respected names in sports broadcasting.
Work with Tony Dungy and Maria Taylor
Garrett’s chemistry with NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy has become one of the highlights of Football Night in America broadcasts. The former Cowboys coach and Super Bowl-winning coach Dungy offer complementary perspectives, with Garrett focusing on offensive strategy while Dungy provides defensive insights.
Maria Taylor, who serves as the show’s host, skillfully directs conversations between Garrett and the other analysts. Their professional rapport has developed into one of mutual respect, with Taylor often setting up Garrett to break down key offensive sequences from the day’s games.
Viewers have noted Garrett’s ability to translate complex football concepts into accessible explanations during these segments. His interactions with Taylor demonstrate his growth as a broadcaster since leaving the coaching ranks.
Commentary Alongside Drew Brees and Chris Simms
Garrett’s work with former quarterback Drew Brees during their overlapping time at NBC created an insightful quarterback-coach dynamic. Though Brees has since moved on from the network, their on-air discussions provided viewers with unique perspectives on offensive game planning.
Chris Simms, another former NFL quarterback turned analyst, regularly exchanges views with Garrett on quarterback play and offensive schemes. Their contrasting backgrounds—Simms as a player and Garrett as both player and coach—generate compelling discussions about modern offensive football.
The two analysts occasionally appear together on digital content for NBC Sports, breaking down film and discussing tactical approaches. Garrett’s coaching experience complements Simms’ more contemporary playing career insights.
Engagement with Rodney Harrison
Rodney Harrison, the former Patriots safety, provides a defensive counterpoint to Garrett’s offensive expertise on Football Night in America. Their friendly debates about strategic approaches highlight the coach-player dynamic that makes sports analysis compelling.
Harrison often challenges Garrett’s coaching perspectives, creating engaging television moments when they disagree about play-calling decisions or strategic approaches. Despite these on-air differences, the two share obvious mutual respect.
Garrett has adapted well to Harrison’s direct style of commentary, responding with thoughtful explanations rather than defensive reactions. Their segments analyzing critical game situations have become viewer favorites, particularly when discussing risk management and late-game decision-making.
Legacy and Influence
Jason Garrett’s career spans both coaching and broadcasting, creating a lasting impact on the NFL landscape. His analytical approach and ability to communicate complex football concepts have transferred seamlessly from the sidelines to the broadcast booth.
Impact on the NFL and Coaching Legacy
Garrett’s influence on the NFL extends well beyond his win-loss record. As the Dallas Cowboys head coach from 2010-2019, he established a culture of accountability and professionalism that continues to shape the organization. His offensive mind helped develop quarterback Tony Romo and laid groundwork for Dak Prescott’s success.
Before his head coaching tenure, Garrett made his mark as the Giants offensive coordinator, where his innovative schemes caught league attention. His coaching tree includes several current NFL assistants who absorbed his meticulous preparation methods.
Former Giants head coach Joe Judge frequently cited Garrett’s influence on his coaching philosophy, particularly regarding attention to detail and practice structure.
| Garrett’s Coaching Career | Years | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys (HC) | 2010-2019 | 85-67 |
| NY Giants (OC) | 2020-2021 | N/A |
| Dallas Cowboys (OC) | 2007-2010 | N/A |
Contributions to Broadcasting
Garrett joined NBC Sports in April 2022 as a studio analyst for Football Night in America. He quickly established himself as an insightful voice. His clear explanations of complex schemes make him valuable to viewers of various knowledge levels.
His broadcasting role extends to calling Notre Dame football games, where his intellect and experience provide unique perspectives on collegiate talent.
The NBC production team, led by their lead producer, values Garrett’s preparation and ability to distill complicated concepts into digestible segments. His playing and coaching background creates a winning combination of credibility and communication skill.
Unlike many ex-coaches in broadcasting, Garrett avoids hyperbole and focuses on substantive analysis. His transition represents one of the rare successful leaps from coaching directly to high-profile broadcasting without a gradual build-up through regional assignments.
Notable Games and Seasons
Jason Garrett’s football journey features remarkable performances both as a player and coach. His career spans multiple Super Bowl victories and key divisional wins that shaped his legacy in the NFL.
Highlights with the Cowboys and Giants
Garrett’s most memorable moments came during his playing days with the Dallas Cowboys. He was part of three Super Bowl championship teams in 1992, 1993, and 1995. Though primarily a backup quarterback, Garrett’s football intelligence made him valuable to those title-winning squads.
His Thanksgiving Day 1994 performance stands as his signature moment as a player. Stepping in for an injured Troy Aikman, Garrett led the Cowboys to a comeback victory against the Packers, throwing for over 300 yards.
During his eight seasons with Dallas as a player, Garrett appeared in 39 games and completed 165 of 294 passes. His completion percentage of 56.1% was respectable for that era of football.
Regular Season and Playoff Performances
As Cowboys head coach from 2010 to 2019, Garrett compiled a solid record of achievement. He won three division titles and holds the distinction of having the second-most wins in franchise history.
Garrett’s regular season coaching record stands at 85-67, good for a .559 winning percentage. However, his playoff record was less impressive at 2-3, never advancing past the divisional round.
| Season | Record | Division Finish | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12-4 | 1st NFC East | Lost Divisional |
| 2016 | 13-3 | 1st NFC East | Lost Divisional |
| 2018 | 10-6 | 1st NFC East | Lost Divisional |
His finest coaching season came in 2016 when the Cowboys went 13-3 behind rookie sensations Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. The team earned the NFC’s top seed before falling to Green Bay in a playoff heartbreaker.
Personal Life and Off-Field Activities
Jason Garrett’s life beyond the sidelines reflects the same precision and purpose that characterized his coaching career. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach, who won three division titles and was named Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2016, has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania, Garrett comes from a football family. His father, Jim Garrett, was a longtime NFL scout and coach, while his brothers John and Judd also worked in football operations.
Garrett married his wife Brill in 1994, and the couple has maintained a strong relationship throughout his career transitions.
Known for his community involvement, Garrett has led various charitable initiatives. His “Garrett Youth Foundation” focuses on educational opportunities for underprivileged children, reflecting his commitment to developing young people both on and off the field.
Since joining NBC as a studio analyst for “Football Night in America”, Garrett has discussed the significance of sports in social movements and shared personal anecdotes from his extensive career in the NFL.
Garrett holds a degree in history from Princeton University. There, he played quarterback and was named the Ivy League Player of the Year in 1988. His intellectual approach to football analysis has served him well in his broadcasting career.