Jason Garrett Net Worth

What is Jason Garrett's net worth and Salary?

Jason Garrett is an American football coach and former professional football player who has a net worth of $18 million. Jason Garrett is best known for his decade-long tenure as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. His peak salary during his time as the coach of the Cowboys was $6 million. Known for his calm, analytical leadership style and football intellect, Garrett guided the Cowboys through multiple playoff appearances and developed a reputation for professionalism and stability. Before moving into coaching, he played quarterback in the NFL for more than a decade, serving primarily as a backup but earning respect for his preparation, teamwork, and deep understanding of the game.

Early Life

Jason Calvin Garrett was born on March 28, 1966, in Abington, Pennsylvania, into a football family. His father, Jim Garrett, was a longtime NFL scout and assistant coach, and his brothers, John and Judd, would also go on to play and coach professionally. Jason grew up immersed in football strategy and team culture, developing a passion for the game from an early age.

Garrett attended University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He later enrolled at Princeton University, where he played quarterback for the Tigers and earned Ivy League Player of the Year honors in 1988. Known for his intelligence as much as his arm, Garrett graduated from Princeton with a degree in history. His cerebral approach to football—emphasizing precision, discipline, and leadership—would define his future career both on the field and on the sidelines.

Playing Career

After going undrafted in 1989, Garrett signed with the New Orleans Saints and spent time on their practice squad before playing in the World League of American Football. His persistence eventually paid off when he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 as a backup quarterback behind Troy Aikman.

Though he started only nine NFL games in his career, Garrett made a lasting impression on the Cowboys organization. His most memorable moment came on Thanksgiving Day in 1994, when he led Dallas to a dramatic 42–31 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers after replacing an injured Aikman. That performance cemented his reputation as one of the league's most capable and composed backup quarterbacks.

Over the next several years, Garrett played for the Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins, finishing his playing career in 2004. While his on-field statistics were modest, coaches and teammates frequently praised his football IQ, preparation, and leadership—traits that made his transition to coaching almost inevitable.

Coaching Career

Garrett began his coaching career in 2005 as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins under head coach Nick Saban. In 2007, he returned to the Cowboys as offensive coordinator, quickly making an impact by turning the team into one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses. His work with quarterback Tony Romo helped solidify Romo as one of the league's elite passers, and Garrett's offensive acumen made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in football.

In 2010, Garrett was named interim head coach after the Cowboys fired Wade Phillips midseason. The team responded immediately, going 5–3 under his leadership, and Garrett was formally named head coach in January 2011—the first former Cowboys player to hold the position.

During his tenure (2011–2019), Garrett compiled an 85–67 regular-season record and led the Cowboys to three NFC East titles (2014, 2016, and 2018). His 2016 team, led by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, finished 13–3 and looked poised for long-term success. Despite several playoff appearances, however, the Cowboys never advanced beyond the Divisional Round, leading to Garrett's departure after the 2019 season.

He later served as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2020 to 2021, helping develop quarterback Daniel Jones before moving into broadcasting with NBC Sports.

Broadcasting and Leadership

After leaving coaching, Garrett joined NBC in 2022 as a studio analyst and color commentator, appearing on programs such as "Football Night in America." His thoughtful commentary, combined with his firsthand experience as both player and coach, earned him praise for his clear communication and insight into team dynamics and strategy.

In addition to broadcasting, Garrett has remained active in football through mentoring, public speaking, and charity work, often emphasizing discipline, consistency, and character—the same principles that guided his career.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jason Garrett married his college sweetheart, Brill Garrett, a Harvard Law School graduate and advocate for literacy and education. The couple has been active in philanthropic work, supporting youth development and educational programs in Dallas and beyond.

Throughout his career, Garrett has been admired for his intelligence, composure, and leadership, qualities that made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL even amid criticism for his conservative coaching style. His longevity in one of sports' most scrutinized roles—a decade leading the Dallas Cowboys—reflects the organization's trust in his character and steady hand.

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