This is the "cultural" issue that has plagued this team. Since Parcels left in 2006, there hasn't been a coach who commands the locker room. There is no fear or accountability.
Exactly.
There have been countless articles promoting Garrett as a "motivator", "the players like him", and "the team has not given up on him".
I think that's a lot of BS. The players tolerate Garrett because it's all very predictable, safe, & cozy. I really doubt there is the level of respect that HC's of successful teams demand, and get.
That atmosphere of course actually starts at the top, and that's not going to change in the foreseeable future.
I haven't given up hope though that Jerry will hire a coach that does have real motivating skills, strong decision making, and a solid winning background. Jerry & Stephen would need to let that coach pick his own staff, have final decision on current player status and acquisitions, both draft & free agency.
Yes that's a lot to hope for but at this point it's all I've got.