The relative success or failure of Jason Garrett's first full season as Cowboys coach likely will be determined by the regular-season finale against the New York Giants.
If the Cowboys win, they take the NFC East, return to the playoffs and have at least one more home game. If the Cowboys lose, they miss the postseason for the second consecutive year, complete one of the most frustrating seasons in franchise history and must deal with the indignity of Brandon Jacobs dancing inappropriately at their expense.
They are two very different scenarios, but Jerry Jones insists Garrett's job is safe no matter the outcome of Sunday night's game at MetLife Stadium. In fact, the Cowboys owner doesn't understand why anyone would think Garrett's job is in jeopardy.
"That's just ridiculous. We're just getting started with Jason," Jerry Jones said Friday on KRLD-FM. "It's just not the case at all. Nobody is worried about the coach's job here. We'll answer this thing as many ways as you want to answer it with as many circumstances, his job has no bearing and is not a part of this ballgame. Yes, he's going to be our coach next year period no matter what the score is."
Despite being generally supportive of Garrett this season, there remains a belief that Jones could make a move if the Cowboys' season ends on a sour note. History tells us that Garrett is safe: Since Jones bought the team in 1989, every one of Dallas' seven previous head coaches lasted at least two seasons. All but Chan Gailey (1998-99) lasted at least three seasons.
