Dallas Cowboys Legend Slams His Former Coach Over Jerry Jones’ Tactics
In a candid and fiery interview, a Dallas Cowboys legend has opened up about his frustrations with the team’s management, specifically criticizing former head coach Jason Garrett and the controversial influence of team owner Jerry Jones. The outspoken remarks have garnered attention throughout the NFL community, with the former Cowboys player delivering a scathing assessment of how the franchise has been run, especially under Garrett’s leadership.
While the Dallas Cowboys are known for their storied history and high-profile roster, the criticism from one of their former stars paints a picture of internal frustration and lingering issues within the organization. The remarks are particularly interesting as they come from a player who was once at the heart of the Cowboys’ success but now feels that the team’s lack of success in recent years can be traced back to leadership choices at the top.
A Dallas Cowboys Legend Speaks Out
DeMarcus Ware, one of the franchise’s all-time greats, voiced his discontent with Garrett’s coaching style and Jerry Jones’ powerful grip on the Cowboys’ operations. Ware, who spent the majority of his career with the Cowboys before finishing his NFL tenure with the Denver Broncos, is regarded as one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. His perspective holds weight, given his extensive experience playing under Garrett and working alongside Jones.
Ware’s comments reflect a deep-seated belief that Jones’ involvement in day-to-day operations has hindered the team’s ability to reach its full potential. He suggested that Jones’ hands-on approach — often scrutinized for meddling in coaching decisions — was a significant factor in the franchise’s inability to secure another Super Bowl victory despite fielding talented rosters over the years.
“I think there was a real issue with the power structure there. Jason Garrett was put in a tough spot by Jerry,” Ware said in the interview. “You have a coach who is trying to make decisions, but there’s a constant pull from the owner on how things should go. It’s hard to succeed when you don’t have full autonomy.”
Criticism of Jason Garrett’s Coaching Style
As the head coach of the Cowboys from 2010 to 2019, Jason Garrett had a long tenure with the team, but his tenure was marked by inconsistency and underachievement. Although Garrett had some success — leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and winning NFC East titles — he ultimately failed to get the Cowboys over the hump and deliver a Super Bowl championship.
Ware’s criticism of Garrett’s coaching is blunt. He claims that Garrett lacked the adaptability and leadership needed to bring the Cowboys to the next level. “He was a great guy, and I respect him as a person, but there was always a sense that he was stuck in his ways. You didn’t see the changes or growth that you need to see from a coach at that level,” Ware explained.
Under Garrett, the Cowboys often underperformed in high-stakes games, leading to frustration among players and fans alike. Ware’s comments highlight what many in the NFL community have speculated for years — that Garrett’s inability to evolve as a coach in the face of shifting trends in the league ultimately contributed to the Cowboys’ inability to build sustained success in the postseason.
Garrett’s tenure was a period marked by missed opportunities, where the team seemed perpetually on the edge of greatness but never quite broke through. Ware’s frustration with this lack of progress is evident in his remarks.
Jerry Jones’ Influence and Decision-Making
Perhaps even more striking than Ware’s criticism of Garrett was his candid take on Jerry Jones’ role in the Cowboys’ struggles. As the team’s owner and general manager, Jones has long been known for his hands-on approach to team management. While his passion for the team is undeniable, his constant involvement in personnel decisions has drawn criticism over the years.
Ware’s criticism of Jones focuses on the notion that the owner’s tactics often undermine the authority of the head coach. He explained that Garrett, and other coaches, were often put in difficult positions because Jones insisted on having a significant say in the direction of the team, including player acquisitions, game strategies, and even coaching decisions.
“Jerry is the guy who’s calling the shots at the end of the day, but you need a coach to be able to make his own decisions. It’s like if you were trying to run a business and your boss was in the office every five minutes telling you how to do your job. It’s frustrating,” Ware said. “You can’t build a dynasty when you have that constant pressure from ownership. Coaches need to be able to lead without looking over their shoulder.”
Ware’s frustration is shared by many former players and analysts who have questioned Jones’ hands-on approach. While some argue that Jones’ involvement has helped the Cowboys build a high-profile brand and maintain competitive rosters, others, like Ware, believe that it has hindered the team’s ability to achieve consistent success on the field.
Ware’s Legacy and the Future of the Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware’s legacy as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history is secure, and his opinion is respected throughout the league. After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Ware has remained vocal about his experiences, particularly regarding the Cowboys. His candid criticism comes from a place of deep passion for the team and the desire to see it return to glory.
While Ware’s remarks have sparked debate, they also highlight a growing sense of urgency within the Cowboys organization. With the team continuing to deal with high expectations and a talented roster that has yet to fully deliver on its promise, the question of whether Jerry Jones’ management style is holding the team back remains a key point of contention.
The Cowboys’ decision to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach in 2020 was seen as an attempt to bring in a more experienced leader to steer the ship, but even McCarthy has had to navigate the challenges of working within the Cowboys’ structure, where Jones’ influence is ever-present.
As the Cowboys head into the 2025 season, the pressure is on for the team to make a deeper playoff run and compete for a Super Bowl. Whether Jones will adjust his approach to team management, or continue to hold tight to his tactics, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Garrett’s coaching legacy with the Cowboys is cemented as one of mixed results, with Ware’s recent comments adding more fuel to the ongoing discussion about what went wrong during Garrett’s tenure.