Ex-Cowboys Coach Admits Mistake on Dak Prescott

Jason Garrett says he underestimated Prescott's transition to the NFL.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett recently admitted that he initially got his evaluation of star quarterback Dak Prescott wrong after the team drafted him out of Mississippi State. Garrett said he thought Prescott's transition from a "gun quarterback" in college to playing under center in the NFL would take longer, but Prescott proved him wrong by quickly becoming a star, winning 11 straight games as a rookie.

Why it matters

Prescott has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL over the past several seasons, and his continued success is crucial for the Cowboys' chances of contending for a championship. Garrett's candid admission about underestimating Prescott provides insight into the team's evaluation process and how players can sometimes exceed expectations.

The details

Garrett said he felt Prescott could be the Cowboys' starting quarterback for 15 years, but he was concerned about Prescott's ability to transition from a spread offense in college to playing under center in the NFL. However, Prescott quickly proved Garrett wrong, winning 11 straight games as a rookie after losing his first start. Last season, Prescott finished third in the NFL in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns, cementing his status as an elite QB.

  • Prescott was drafted by the Cowboys in 2016.
  • Prescott lost his first NFL start but then won 11 straight games as a rookie in 2016.
  • Prescott is entering his 11th season as the Cowboys' starting quarterback in 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback since 2016, who has emerged as one of the top signal-callers in the NFL.

Jason Garrett

The former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who admitted he initially underestimated Prescott's ability to transition to the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“I've often said this that I felt like I got the evaluation on Dak Prescott wrong because I felt like he was a quarterback who could be the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys for 15 years.”

— Jason Garrett, Former Cowboys Head Coach (Yardbarker)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to build on Prescott's success and make a deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Prescott's rapid development into an elite NFL quarterback despite Garrett's initial doubts is a testament to his talent and work ethic. The Cowboys' ability to properly evaluate and develop young players like Prescott will be key to their long-term success.