In the building ambiguity ofJason Garretts future with the Dallas Cowboys, one more oddity is being added to an opaque picture as Garrett finishes exit interviews with players: Those familiar with some of the meetings say Garrett is operating like hes going to be a part of the organization moving forward.
According to multiple sources familiar with a handful of Garretts exit interviews, he conducted himself in the same manner as past seasons thanking players for their contributions in 2019 and then talking about their offseason outlook. Several sources added that in some cases where players had expiring contracts, Garrett went as far as expressing that the Cowboys would have interest in the players returning in 2020.
The interview confused [the player], one source said. [He] went in thinking it was going to be a goodbye and maybe hed hear a this is a business speech and it turned out to be more of a good job and see you later feeling. Its normal to the point of being weird, given everything [he] was expecting.
Added another source familiar with the exit interviews: Jason is so myopic. I think hes just doing his job like everything is normal because his contract hasnt expired yet. Hes still under contract so hes still doing his job like he normally would.
Not all of the Cowboys players have chosen to meet with Garrett for exit interviews. Sources have told Yahoo Sports that a handful of veterans left town without sitting down with the coach. But the status quo in at least some exit interviews appears to be just another extension of a situation that has seen Garrett meet with ownership multiple times since the season ended without a clear sign of Garretts fate.
His head coaching contract is set to expire on Jan. 14 and Dallas has yet to reach out to a single outside candidate for an official interview.
ESPNs Ed Werder reportedon Thursday night that the Cowboys will move on with Garrett not part of the organization.
Since the end of the regular season, Jerry Jones has been radio silent on the status of Jason Garrett. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Sources inside the organization have consistently expressed a lack of any defined decision or even an indication of what could happen next with Garrett. One source, who spoke with Yahoo Sports on Monday, suggested that the team had interest in a handful of potential head coaching candidates in the college ranks, but said there was no guidance on when or if any of those interviews would take place. He added thatBaltimore Ravensoffensive coordinator Greg Roman also had some interest with Dallas, but a source with the Ravens said on Tuesday that there had been no call from the Cowboys about Roman.
That lack of movement with any outside candidates, combined with Garrett continuing to show up for work with Dallas, has created an odd void that is drawing speculation from all corners. It has also fueled a perception that Cowboys ownership is attempting to craft a scenario that would keep Garrett in the fold, either as head coach or potentially moving to some other part of the franchise. Dallas hasnt given a solid indication of either outcome, withJerry Jones and son Stephen failing to speak since the end of the season and even cancelling their normal radio appearances.
The vacuum and unprecedented lack of leaks in the situation has left fans, media and even other NFL sources to come to varying conclusions, most driven down one of two tracks.
Taken down the first track, the pause in Garretts status can be perceived through a lens of speculative logic, which would suggest that ownership has a head coaching candidate in mind who is simply not available for interviews at this point, thereby removing any need to push Garrett out the door before his contract expiration. Such a candidate would likely be involved in wild-card playoff games and off the grid until at least next week. That would give Dallas the time to continue assessing Garretts status while waiting for an interview window with other candidates to open.
Story continues
However, that doesnt account for the availability of some college coaches like Oklahomas Lincoln Riley or Baylors Matt Rhule, whom Dallas could seek for interviews immediately now that they arent part of college bowl or playoff games. That reality is especially glaring for Rhule, who is already on the radar of theCarolina PanthersandNew York Giants, while having turned down an interview opportunity from theCleveland Browns.
And the second track? That one is more about the evidence that is playing out in front of our eyes, which suggests that, taken at face value, Garrett is still in play to return as head coach (or in some other capacity) for the Cowboys. That evidence includes the reality that Garrett could have been dismissed immediately but wasnt. It includes sources who say that he has done exit interviews with players as he normally would, including looking toward the 2020 season. And it includes the fact that Dallas has been tied to no above board interviews of candidates, nor have there been the types of leaks that usually define an obvious next candidate. WhileRon Rivera was quickly tied to and eventually landed the Washington Redskins job, there has been no such hot candidate that has arisen for Dallas. Nor has there even been a strong No. 1 target, like Rhule with the Giants or the trio of Mike McCarthy, Josh McDaniels andKevin Stefanski in Cleveland. Even Carolina has shored up an interview list.
That activity elsewhere has left the Cowboys on an island and increasingly looking more and more odd by the day, a theme that will only intensify if this lasts to the very conclusion of Garretts deal on Jan. 14. If thats the case, Dallas will not only have missed out on multiple candidates, but it will likely see all the other jobs filled before it does its first interview.
That is, unless Garrett is going about his job because hes the actual No. 1 candidate in Dallas. And the interview everyone is waiting for is actually happening right now, every day, when Garrett keeps showing up for work.
More from Yahoo Sports:
Originally posted here:
- Shohei Ohtani vs. Paul Skenes lives up to the hype: 'That's why we play the game ... for matchups like that' - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Kyrie Irving responds to LeBron James' comments about him - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- UConn's Geno Auriemma thinks Caitlin Clark is being 'targeted' in the WNBA after incident with Chennedy Carter - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Bombshell Report Reveals Team Trump Is Rewarding Key Trial Witnesses - Yahoo! Voices - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Putin claims Russia holding thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war - Yahoo! Voices - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity. Here's what that means. - Yahoo Life - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- How to watch cricket in the US: Where to stream the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tonight - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Paul Skenes blows away Shohei Ohtani, who returns the favor in his next at-bat - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Mexico elects 1st female president following deadliest election campaign in country's modern history. Here's what to ... - Yahoo! Voices - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- What the Justin Jefferson deal means for roster construction, stability in Cleveland & will the NFL have a major betting ... - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- 100 Robots Running Starbucks: A Glimpse Into The Future Of Coffee Shops - Yahoo Finance - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Celtics trust issues, LeBron's free agency & NBA Finals predictions | Good Word with Goodwill - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- NBA Finals betting: Jayson Tatum and Luka Doni are, unsurprisingly, the clear favorites for MVP - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Sky's Chennedy Carter has 'no regrets' about foul on Caitlin Clark; Angel Reese will 'take the bad guy role' - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Browns sign GM Andrew Berry, HC Kevin Stefanski to multi-year extensions - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- 2024 NBA Finals: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum aren't new to this game anymore - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Hunter Biden trial: Key takeaways from opening statements as 1st witness is called in felony gun case - Yahoo! Voices - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Joe Scarborough Loses It Over Clip Of Trump Talking About Relationship With God - Yahoo! Voices - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Kyrie Irving is returning to the NBA Finals stage in a good place: 'It's not too often you're back' - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- After $2 Trillion Gain, Nvidia Is Still Irresistible to Many - Yahoo Finance - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Angel Reese's 'weak' ejection from Sky-Liberty game draws attention, offer from Bulls' Lonzo Ball - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- If You Had Invested $1,000 in Gold 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much Money You'd Have Today - Yahoo Finance - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- The UFC has an eye-poke problem. The new gloves missed the point - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Colts Pro Bowler, NFLPA rep Ryan Kelly calls out Roger Goodell, blasts talk of 18-game schedule: 'Absolutely not' - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Opposing players aren't fond of Caitlin Clark ... which should be good for the WNBA - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Why the Caitlin Clark-Chennedy Carter incident has struck such a chord with the public - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- French Open 2024: How to watch the Alexander Zverev vs. Alex De Minaur match - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Celebrini interviews with Sharks, unsure about going pro yet - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Bitcoin and Ethereum Funds See Surge in Inflows Ahead of ETH Spot ETFs Trading - Yahoo Finance - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- Rams rookie Blake Corum hits the ground running during offseason workouts - Yahoo Sports - June 6th, 2024 [June 6th, 2024]
- NBA playoffs: Bucks G Patrick Beverley chucks ball at multiple Pacers fans amid elimination - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Britney Spears says she feels 'harassed' after paramedics respond to incident at Chateau Marmont: The latest - Yahoo Entertainment - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How the Knicks' special chemistry helped them turn back the 76ers - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 11 stocks that mattered most this earnings season - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Fed holds interest rates at 23-year high, citing 'lack of further progress' on inflation - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly signing 1-year, $8.25 million deal to join Dolphins - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby: Post positions, odds, where to stream and more - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- The Buzz: What would a fantasy baseball draft look like today? - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 2nd Boeing whistleblower found dead. Here's a timeline of the company's mounting problems. - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Trump trial live updates: Hope Hicks called to the stand as testimony resumes in hush money case - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Brandon Aubrey thinks soccer background will "absolutely" help with new kickoffs - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Kentucky Derby: Fierceness' odds keep shrinking ahead of the 150th race - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- How to watch the 2024 WNBA preseason tonight: Caitlin Clark's first Indiana Fever game time, channel and more - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Amazon Web Services CEO: We're on track to hit $100 billion in sales in 2024 - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- NFL Power Rankings, draft edition: Did Patriots fix their offensive issues? - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Lynch reveals how he engaged Shanahan on 49ers GM job - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Drake, Adele, and others are following Taylor Swift back onto TikTok after Universal deal - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Boss Orders Employee 'Be Prepared To Cancel Or Reschedule Your Wedding' After Layoffs, Despite Her Giving A ... - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- May Reliever Rankings - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Kyle Hendricks pelted by a line drive during Double-A start - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- China publicizes for the first time what it claims is a 2016 agreement with Philippines - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- What Pearsall believes Green will bring to 49ers defense - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- What to know about Rickwood Field ahead of Giants-Cardinals game - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Biden says Americans have 'right to protest but not the right to cause chaos' on college campuses after another night of ... - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Billam-Smith 'motivated to avenge loss' to Riakporhe - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Chinese Grand Prix 2024: How to watch tonight's F1 race without cable - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Was it legal for Kristi Noem to shoot her puppy and what other options did she have? - Yahoo! Voices - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Apple unveils record $110 billion buyback as results beat low expectations - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Paramount has spent a decade as the source of buyout rumors. That might finally come to an end. - Yahoo Finance - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Lynch reveals hilarious truth about transition from player to GM - Yahoo Sports - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- 7 Social Security Shakeups You Need To Be Ready For Heading Into the New Year - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Crypto had a surprisingly great year. It still faces threats in 2024. - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'How the hell does that even happen?' McCarthy exits Congress amid confusion over who can run to replace him - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Short sellers lost close to $178 billion in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Trump legal news brief: Giuliani files for bankruptcy after judge rules he must immediately pay $148 million for election ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- No One Wants Used EVs, Making New Ones a Tougher Sell Too - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Israel's military campaign in Gaza seen as among the most destructive in recent history, experts say - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Barbara Corcoran Says Housing Prices 'Are Going To Go Through the Roof' But When? - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Are You Wealthy? The Net Worth You Need To Be Considered Poor, Middle-Class And Wealthy In America - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- German bishop Btzing criticizes pope over Ukraine and Israel stance - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'Severe revenue decline': California faces a record $68 billion deficit here's what is eating away at the Golden State's ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Poll: Trump is tied with Biden for now but criminal trials and unpopular plans pose risks for 2024 - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy days after being ordered to pay $148 million in defamation case - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'It's just bragging rights': Once you achieve this credit score there's 'no benefit' to scoring higher, expert says here are ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Records released by House Republicans show that Joe Biden repeatedly emailed Hunter Biden's business associate ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Tesla Getting Trounced by S&P 500 Three Years After Joining - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Ukrainian forces shoot down three Russian Su-34 fighter jets on southern front - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- The only AI 'regulation' coming is from workers - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Innocent Black Man Spent 50 Years in Prison, His Compensation Will Annoy The Hell out of You - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Texas begins flying migrants from southern border to Chicago. The 1st plane carried over 120 people - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]