KISSIMMEE, Fla. _ For the first time in their NFL careers, Ezekiel Elliott and Jaylon Smith will not have Jason Garrett as their head coach.
Garrett was not given another contract by the Cowboys after the 2019 season ended and was replaced by Mike McCarthy.
"It's going to be weird because you're so used to Jason and one thing I loved about Jason, he's the ultimate, consistent (person)," Smith said after Wednesday's Pro Bowl practice. "Never high, never low, just (clapping) _ that's him. He always stayed true to himself, I respect him for that. I learned a lot from Jason, looking forward to whats next."
In four seasons, Elliott and Smith won two NFC East titles under Garrett, but after an 8-8 finish in 2019, it was apparent change was coming.
Garrett could never get the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs, which ultimately proved to be his downfall.
"I think it will be weird, something that I'm not used to," Elliott said. " But change is hard, but sometimes good. Sometimes you need change. We'll see what we have going for us."
Both players were loyal to Garrett during their careers.
Garrett remained patient when Smith was recovering from a severe knee injury suffered in his final game at Notre Dame. The Cowboys drafted Smith in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, and he missed that year rehabbing from the injury. He became a full-time player in 2018 recording 121 total tackles and six tackles for loss.
In 2019, Smith recorded career-highs in total tackles (142) and pass breakups (nine), but wasn't named a Pro Bowl starter. Yet, he was an alternate and was named an injury replacement for Carolina's Luke Kuechly, who later decided to retire. This will be Smith's first Pro Bowl.
Elliott, drafted in the first round in 2016, earned two rushing titles and three Pro Bowl selections under Garrett. He also saw the coach remain patient and display a sense of loyalty when he was suspended for six games in the 2017 season for a violation of the NFL conduct policy.
Now Garrett has moved on, becoming the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants.
"Now I get to really beat on him," Smith said with a laugh.
