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Garrett Decides To Stay In Dallas, Gets Promotion

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The Associated Press

Published: January 18, 2008

IRVING, Texas - Sitting in the atrium of Dallas Cowboys headquarters, at the same table where Wade Phillips, Bill Parcells and several predecessors have given their daily briefings for years, Jason Garrett felt comfortable right away.

"I just want to start by saying I'm awfully excited to be sitting in this chair," Garrett said.

No, Garrett wasn't being introduced as Phillips' replacement. He was merely explaining Thursday why he decided to pull out of consideration for coaching jobs with Baltimore and Atlanta to remain offensive coordinator in Dallas.

Still, the symbolism was hard to miss - especially for a guy who has been viewed the coach-in-waiting since he rejoined the organization last year.

Garrett held a news conference to discuss his decision to stay, which included a promotion to assistant head coach and, presumably, a raise, perhaps approaching the $3 million per season made by Phillips. He insisted that he seriously considered the other jobs and didn't just see what was out there for the experience of going through the process.

"They weren't exercises," he said. "They were great opportunities. ... I think maybe this decision to stay here has a lot more to do with the Dallas Cowboys in 2007 and what the Dallas Cowboys can be in 2008."

Garrett gave thoughtful answers to all questions but one. Asked if he was promised he'd replace Phillips, Garrett said, "No," then turned his head to seek a question from the other side of the room.

League rules prevent team owner Jerry Jones from anointing Garrett as the heir to Phillips, but the way things have played out sure seems to indicate the likelihood.

After all, Jones hired Garrett before hiring Phillips last year. And when Garrett returned Wednesday night from visits with the Ravens and Falcons, he huddled with Jones to figure out his next move. Hours later, he opted to stay in Dallas, being part of a club that just went 13-3 and sent seven offensive players to the Pro Bowl.

"We're thrilled that Jason will be with the team in 2008 and moving forward," Jones said in a statement. "We believe that what we accomplished in 2007 is just the beginning of many productive years ahead. His vision and direction on the offensive side of the ball will only help us improve and get to where we want to be."

NFL Will Play Game In Britain Again In 2008

LONDON - The NFL will return to Britain next season.

The league, which held its first regular-season game outside North America in London last October, said Thursday it would come back again in 2008.

The teams, date and venue will be announced during Super Bowl week later this month or in early February.

COLTS: Assistant head coach Jim Caldwell would replace Tony Dungy if the coach retires, team owner Jim Irsay said Thursday night.

SEAHAWKS: The team announced Thursday that Shaun Alexander had surgery this week to mend the left wrist the 2005 league MVP broke in Week 1.

Five teammates also had procedures to repair injuries sustained during Seattle's run to its fourth consecutive NFC West title.

Defensive end Patrick Kerney and left tackle Walter Jones, both All-Pro players, plus leading receiver Deion Branch and starting center Chris Spencer are next up for surgery.

TITANS: Tennessee has hired Broncos assistant Mike Heimerdinger as offensive coordinator, his second stint with the team after spending the last two seasons in Denver.

Heimerdinger had a successful five-year run as the Titans' offensive coordinator from 2000-04. A formal announcement will be made at a news conference this morning.

"Mike was at the top of my list and we are fortunate he was available to come back," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. "We know each other very well and he is without a doubt the right person to help the offense take the next step."

LEGAL: Britt Reid, the 22-year-old son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, already in jail on a road-rage charge, pleaded guilty to DUI and drug charges stemming from a separate incident.

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