Jerry Jones Stuns NFL World: Jason Garrett to Return as Cowboys Head Coach After McCarthy’s Exit

In a move that’s sending shockwaves across the NFL, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has officially confirmed that Jason Garrett will return as the team’s head coach following the departure of Mike McCarthy. The announcement comes as both a surprise and a point of fierce debate, especially given the team’s relative success under McCarthy in the 2025 season.

The decision was confirmed during an impromptu press conference at AT&T Stadium, where Jones told reporters, “Jason Garrett understands the DNA of the Cowboys better than anyone. He’s a leader, a strategist, and above all, he’s family. We believe he’s the right man to take us forward.”

A Familiar Face Returns

Garrett, who previously coached the Cowboys from 2010 to 2019, finished his first tenure with an 85–67 regular-season record, three NFC East titles, and a mixed legacy of playoff appearances and disappointments. His last seasons were marked by growing frustrations among fans who felt the team underachieved in key moments. He was ultimately replaced by Mike McCarthy in 2020.

Since leaving the Cowboys, Garrett spent time as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants and later joined NBC as a football analyst. His name hadn’t been linked to many head coaching vacancies—until now.

Why the Change?

Mike McCarthy led the Cowboys to a strong 2025 campaign, including a playoff berth and improved offensive consistency. However, sources close to the organization suggest that McCarthy’s conservative play-calling and rocky relationship with Jones played a role in his exit. Jones, never shy about making bold decisions, reportedly had been in quiet discussions with Garrett for several months.

NFL insiders are divided on the move. Some see it as a regression—bringing back a coach the team already moved on from. Others see it as a nostalgic but calculated decision based on familiarity and long-term vision.

The Locker Room Reaction

Initial player reactions remain under wraps, but some veterans who played under Garrett—like Dak Prescott—are rumored to support the move. Garrett’s reputation as a “player’s coach” could help maintain stability in the locker room, particularly as the team transitions into what Jones described as “a new era of Cowboys football.”

Fanbase Divided

The fan reaction has been mixed, to say the least. Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like #GarrettReturns and #FireJerryJones trending simultaneously.

• One fan tweeted: “Why are we going backward? We were finally turning the corner.”

• Another countered: “Garrett knows this team better than anyone. Maybe this time, he gets it right.”

What’s Next?

Garrett will reportedly take over immediately after McCarthy finishes the season. While the Cowboys’ playoff performance will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over this decision, Jerry Jones seems unbothered by the public scrutiny.

“I’m not here to win popularity contests,” Jones said. “I’m here to win Super Bowls. Jason knows that. And he knows this team.”

Whether this move revives the Cowboys or reopens old wounds remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Arlington, Texas next season.