Much has been made about Jason Garrett's status as Cowboys coach, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the decision to move on from Garrett is "already made.” Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Monday told Garrett that he wants “another 24-48 hours to kind of ponder this decision, make sure it is the right one and also figure out kind of how to do it." The decision now is whether Garrett is going to get a formal goodbye press conference where he can "address the media and talk about his 10 years" or if the Cowboys are "simply going to issue a nice press release, hug and have everyone move on" ("Good Morning Football," NFL Network, 12/31).
STAFF CHANGES COMING TO LIONS: In Detroit, Justin Rogers notes the Lions' decision to retain coach Matt Patricia was, in part, "contingent on staffing changes." But the team "wasn't ready to announce those changes" on Monday. Patricia said that any changes "would be made" with Exec VP & GM Bob Quinn's "input" (DETROIT NEWS, 12/31). Quinn said that changing course now "would have forced the Lions 'to bring it down to the basement again and start the foundation again,'" and that is "not something anyone in the organization has the appetite for, closing in on 30 years since their last playoff win" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/31).
FAMILY MATTERS: In Chicago, Rick Morrissey writes many Bears fans understand that the McCaskey family, which owns the team, is the "problem," as the family members "seem to value their familial connection to team Founder George Halas much more than they value a Super Bowl title." Morrissey: "Everybody else involved in this mess will eventually be gone, but the McCaskeys will still be standing" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/31).
