Why do you think Jerry has kept him around?
I think Jerry just wants to prove that he was right to hire him. I know JG represents himself and the team well, but his game management has not improved. I can't figure it out...what do you think ? This is a serious question, I'm not joking or trying to start any drama. Just curious
1: Jerry sees a non-coordinator Head Coach as an administrative position that is primarily responsible for keeping the team motivated, scheduling practices, etc.
2: The prime motivation for Jerry to fire Garrett at this point would be if Jerry wanted a coordinator that he could only get if he made that person a Head Coach.
If the offense struggles in 2018, Jerry will blame Linehan.
If the defense struggles he will blame Marinelli.
If the overall talent fails he will blame McClay and the scouting dept.
Finally, if the team quits like it did in Wade's final 1/2 season, then Jerry will blame Garrett.
Stephen is much more likely to blame Garrett than Jerry: however, Stephen will not want to pay Garrett to go away. Garrett's is guaranteed to get paid for 2018 and 2019 regardless of whether he gets fired or not.
Stephen appears to have increased Linehan's power in the organization this offseason. It appears that Garrett will be completely out of the offensive game plan now. The concept of Linehan running Garrett's scheme appears to be over.
Even if the team succeeds in 2018, I would not be surprised if Stephen wanted to promote Linehan to HC in 2020 when Garrett's contract is over. Why pay Garrett and Linehan if Linehan can do both? Stephen can just pay himself the money saved.