John Garrett is at the helm of the Lafayette College football program, entering his fifth season as the Fred M. Kirby II ’42 Head Football Coach. Since taking over on December 21, 2016, John Garrett has brought a wealth of experience from over 25 years coaching at both collegiate and professional levels, instilling a culture of dedication and strategic prowess within the Leopards.
Building a Foundation for Success: Early Seasons under John Garrett
Garrett’s initial impact was immediately felt in the 2017 season. He initiated a significant culture shift, emphasizing a renewed focus that permeated every aspect of the program. This dedication to detail, driven by John Garrett’s deep understanding of football fundamentals, quickly translated to on-field improvements. The Leopards’ offense, under Garrett’s play-calling, showcased improved ball control, leading the Patriot League in several key categories like fewest fumbles lost and penalties. Freshman quarterback Sean O’Malley, a walk-on recruit, flourished under Garrett’s guidance, setting a Lafayette single-season record for completions.
Defensively, the team showed remarkable progress. Under John Garrett’s oversight, the defense drastically reduced its points allowed per game from 37.3 in the previous year to just 15.8, ranking second-best in the league. This defensive turnaround was complemented by a surge in takeaways, positioning Lafayette among the nation’s best in turnovers gained. Standout players like Brandon Bryant and Phillip Parham earned All-America honors, highlighting the individual player development fostered by John Garrett’s coaching.
The 2018 season saw continued progress, with the Leopards ranking among the nation’s best in fewest penalties. Ten players earned All-Patriot League honors, and Malik Hamm was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year, showcasing the program’s growing talent pool under John Garrett’s leadership. Academic excellence was also a focus, with Andrew Chuma and Trent Crossan earning Academic All-America honors, demonstrating the holistic development of student-athletes within the program.
Contending for the Patriot League Title and Rivalry Victories
In 2019, John Garrett guided the Lafayette Leopards to Patriot League contention. The team finished just one game shy of first place, winning four of their last five games and securing a notable victory against the eventual champion. The season culminated in a dramatic win against arch-rival Lehigh in the 155th Meeting, thanks to a last-minute field goal. This victory, orchestrated by Patriot League Rookie of the Year quarterback Keegan Shoemaker, underscored the team’s resilience and Garrett’s strategic in-game management.
Shoemaker’s record-setting season, along with Jeffrey Kordenbrock’s game-winning kick, exemplified the individual accolades achieved under John Garrett’s coaching. A league-leading 13 Leopards earned Patriot League honors, and Malik Hamm was named Defensive Player of the Year, further solidifying the program’s ascent. Academic achievements continued, with 31 student-athletes named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
The spring 2021 season, though shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw the Leopards post a 2-1 record, including a second consecutive win in the historic Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry. The Leopard defense continued to excel, limiting opponents to a mere 63.3 rushing yards per game, a testament to the consistent defensive strategies implemented by John Garrett and his coaching staff.
John Garrett’s Extensive Coaching Background
Before his tenure at Lafayette, John Garrett served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Richmond in 2016, contributing to a 10-4 season and a run to the NCAA FCS Playoff quarterfinals. His offensive expertise was evident as Richmond’s offense ranked second in the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring and total offense.
His coaching resume includes a season as a quality control specialist for the offense at the University of Florida in 2015 and a stint as offensive coordinator at Oregon State University in 2014. At Oregon State, under coach Mike Riley, Garrett’s offense contributed to a signature win against a top-10 Arizona State team.
John Garrett also boasts significant NFL experience. He served as the wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013 and spent six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys as tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, working alongside his brother, Jason Garrett. His professional playing career included time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills.
A Football Legacy and Commitment to Excellence
Born into a football family, with his father Jim Garrett having a 38-year NFL career, John Garrett’s passion for the game is deeply rooted. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Princeton University, after earning a history degree in 1988. His journey has taken him through various coaching roles, consistently demonstrating his ability to develop players and build successful programs.
John Garrett, with his wife Honor and their four children, is fully committed to fostering a winning culture at Lafayette College. His leadership, experience, and dedication position him to continue elevating the Leopards football program, building on past successes and striving for future championships.
