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May 9--When St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan granted his tight ends coach, Judd Garrett, a paid leave of absence for the 2008 season, he said it was about doing the right thing.
Similarly, Linehan thinks Garrett is doing right by his family in accepting the position of assistant director of pro scouting with the Dallas Cowboys.
Garrett's wife, Kathy, passed away last August, leaving Judd to take care of four school-aged children. The move to Dallas will allow Garrett, 40, to be close to his brothers, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason and tight ends coach John.
"They're a great family, very close-knit, and they look out for one another," Linehan said. "It's about doing the right thing. Judd went through a tough time, and his family was there for him. He did come back and worked, and it was difficult because he had responsibility with his children at home -- their lives were turned upside down.
"I think it's great that they're not only going to be in a position where you look out for one another, but to also be close to one another. If any place was going to be great for Judd, it was close to his brothers."
Beyond just the family aspect of the equation, Linehan also feels like the Dallas opportunity is a great fit for his former assistant. Linehan was offensive coordinator in Miami in 2005, when Jason Garrett was quarterbacks coach and Judd was a quality control assistant.
As part of that job, Judd Garrett broke down teams ahead of the rest of the coaches and presented reports on each opponent at the beginning of every game week. Linehan said Garrett was exemplary in that role, and also in scouting opponents the last two years in St. Louis, skills that will translate directly to his new job.
"He's always been somebody that could break down the opponent, and know their strengths and weaknesses," Linehan said. "The NFL's a matchup league and one thing to you need to have is an ability to see tendencies and concepts, and figure out how to beat them. Judd's done that in the AFC and now he's done it with the majority of the teams in the NFC. His background is extremely solid for a job like the one he's going in to."
Linehan also lauded Garrett's ability to evaluate talent, another skill that should serve him in his new job. But more than anything, Linehan said that he has one overriding feeling on this move after seeing first-hand what Garrett went through in 2007.
"I'm just really happy for Judd," he said.
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