NFL Rumors: Cowboys Give Garrett Fitting Send-Off, Next Head Coaching Search On

As expected, the Dallas Cowboys are moving forward without Jason Garrett. After a disappointing season, most were eagerly awaiting when the ax would fall. It never did. Instead, the Cowboys just allowed the contract of Garrett to end.

In a report from ESPN, it was mentioned that Jerry and Stephen Jones have agreed that the 53-year-old coach will not be part of the organization moving forward. The decision hardly comes as a surprise with most aware that Garrett's nine-season tenure in Dallas is coming to a close. A formal announcement is expected to be made this weekend.

Originally starting as the Cowboys offensive coordinator back in 2007, the best Garrett did was lead the team to the NFC Divisional game in 2014, 2016 and 2018. He will leave Dallas with an 85-67 regular-season record and a 2-3 postseason record.

Next up for the Cowboys is the search for its next head coach. In a previous post, it was mentioned how Urban Meyer could be among the candidates Jones is considering. This is despite the fact that he does not think highly of getting a college coach. He is aware that the chances of success are pretty low although he may be forced to reconsider that stance.

Also, Jones needs to factor in that Dallas is not the only team looking for a new head coach. The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers are also on the prowl. As of this writing, only the Washington Redskins have hired a new head coach in Ron Rivera, CBS Sports reported.

Aside from Meyer, other names linked to the Cowboys include Lincoln Riley, Matt Rhule, Chris Petersen, and Dan Mullen. Of those names, Mullen could have a bit of an edge because he has a standing relationship with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. This date back to their Mississippi State days.

Dallas finds itself in a precarious situation looking for its new head coach. The last time they were in this situation was in 2007. Wade Phillips took on the job but would be fired in 2010 after a 1-7 start. Garrett took over on an interim basis, eventually getting officially named head coach on Jan. 6, 2011.