I never had anything against Garrett, being an ex player and all, however, one thing was a sign to me of things to come and also a peek behind the curtain of the front office.
Back when Phillips asked to increase fines for tardiness and just missing meetings, the owner not only said no but issued Media Passes for some players to aid in his continual marketing and promotional campaign that started in 1989 and is still going. One of the most interesting parts of that is that is it was shared with the media during camp. That was Camp Cupcake but don't you wonder who the baker was? BTW, back in 2007, do you really think it was Wade Phillips idea to tell his guys to take a break from their jobs and responsibilities before the first playoff game and said "hey, get out of town and don't worry about honing up during the extra available time, We own the Giants".
Phillips gets fired, Booger heads off to Vegas to pose with cocktail waitresses and Garrett, the new HC, sets down the edict that coats and ties will be the uniform for traveling in his first game as HC. And who defies that order? Marion Barber III totally ignores it and what happened? Nothing.
Now, flash back to when Garrett played for Jimmy Johnson. Think he sees Johnson call Curvin Richards back and say "hey, I didn't mean it, come on back, fumbling is better in the playoffs". Messages delivered, there is one man in charge and he just sent the real message, mistakes are not OK with 'the man".
Message to team after Barber skates by on Casual Friday, Garrett is not "the man", "the man" signs your checks, loves you and is your buddy.
What did Booger do when Owens showed up and Parcells, seeking to get him on board in his own way, called him "the player"? Started taking him to breakfast once a week, with the entire team aware of it, to soothe his childish hurt feelings. Owens, I believe, had been looking for some tough love from a father figure all his life and he might have gotten the chance if not for the enabler intervening.
The pattern is there ever since Johnson left and while Parcells tried, he could not stop that cycle from happening. He not only had to keep Booger away from his decisions but try to keep him away from the team. Because he knew the root of the problem was the GM and his Culture Club. It was counter to Parcells, Johnson, Landry and every other HC that knew the backbone of every team is accountability and responsibility. I believe Garrett knows that but could do nothing about it.
Has Booger changed and given the HC more authority and autonomy? From the outside, I would hold my breath on that and I wouldn't go exhaling with Booger still around and in charge. He wants his fingerprints all over it, especially now that it's looking good.
I do not think Garrett is a great coach but for sure he didn't even have a good GM.