The Cowboys missed out on the NFC East title by losing in the final week of the season for the third straight year, but the loss didn’t shake owner Jerry Jones’ previous commitment to coach Jason Garrett.
Jones reminded reporters that he said “a month ago” that Garrett would return for the 2014 season and that he stands by his previous statement on the coach’s status. Jones wasn’t as forthcoming when it came to questions about defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, offensive coordinator Bill Callahan or the rest of Garrett’s coaching staff.
“I’m not discussing that at all,” Jones said, via ESPNDallas.com. “I have spoken a little more appropriate time here about three or four weeks ago. I said at that time that I was with Jason, that I thought that his future and what he’s going to be doing with us was good. But this isn’t the time and I don’t even like the way it feels or looks to speak to anything about our coaches.”
Kiffin’s defense allowed the third-most yardage in NFL history this season, which has led to speculation that he may not be back for a second season on the sideline. Injuries definitely played a role in how the defense performed in 2013, which could provide a stay of execution for Kiffin if Jones decides that those circumstances were the biggest reason for the defensive failings.
Of course, the defense was riddled with injuries last year as well and Rob Ryan lost his job as defensive coordinator so there’s still plenty to play out in Dallas.