...I'm finishing up my interview in Atlanta, hopefully getting an offer to become their next head coach. That would make two offers, including the one from my Baltimore Ravens. Next I meet with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and let him know what I have pending. Jones has reportedly offered to match any offer to keep Garrett as offensive coordinator - for now. That would probably make him the highest paid o-coordinator in the entire league. The Ravens are reportedly offering around $2.5 million per season but I heard that they were around $500K below what he was asking. If Jones is willing to match that offer, then Garrett would be making a very good decision if he accepted Jones' offer. Mind you, if he came to the Ravens, he'd also be making a very good decision as well. The Ravens offer first class facilities (their new training facility is rumored to be the nicest in the NFL), great ownership and management, as well as a good nucleus to succeed from the get-go. The Falcons job is one of a total rebuilding process, along with that Michael Vick thing.
However, with the Cowboys, he stays protected from any failures, as Wade Phillips is still the head coach and would deflect any blame for lack of success. Of course, the main benefit is that when (not if) Phillips leaves, Garrett slides painlessly into the head coach slot. The Dallas Cowboys head coaching position is one of the best in all sports, not just football. While I'd love to hear that he's coming to Baltimore, I believe Jerry Jones will overwhelm him and pull the rug out from under the Ravens (and Falcons). Besides, leaving town after the second interview to go to Atlanta is not that good of a sign. When Billick had his second interview here, he also had another coaching interview to go to, but cancelled that meeting and signed with the Ravens. It was also reported that after the Ravens offer was made at their training facility, Garrett, his wife and agent, asked for a private room with a phone and fax. Hmmm...
If Garrett stays in Dallas, then who's up next? Reportedly, the Ravens are seriously looking at Philly defensive assistant John Harbaugh as the second choice. Indy's Jim Caldwell will probably be staying put with the Colts, as he's next in line after Dungy retires. It's become pretty obvious that Rex Ryan is not high on the Ravens list, but is rumored to be so on the Falcons list and could be announced as their next head coach any day now. I'd be open to any of these guys, but think that Jason Garrett is far and away the best option and would lead this team back to contending status sooner rather than later.
More to come....