MOBILE, Ala. -- No one outside the Dallas Cowboys' organization believes Jason Garrett gave up his play-calling duties without a fight.

Maybe it was a knock-down, drag-out argument. Perhaps it was a heated exchange of ideas. Or something in between.

But let's not act as if Garrett's identity as an NFL coach hasn't been wrapped up in calling plays because it is -- at least it has been.

Garrett and Jerry Jones can spin it like a top until the end of time, but there's not a single person who has studied this team for any length of time who's going to buy what the Cowboys are selling.

Their story makes no sense.

After all, Jerry hired Garrett in 2007 to be the offensive coordinator and playcaller before Wade Phillips signed a contract to become the head coach.

So with his job on the line -- Garrett is getting fired if the Cowboys don't make the playoffs -- he's willingly going to put his future in the hands of Bill Callahan, Hue Jackson or some mystery candidate who's going to call plays?

"When he became the head coach, it was at my insistence that he continue to call the plays," Jerry said. "I felt philosophically that if anybody could do it, he could do it. It was not at Jason's insistence.

"It is not a step back for the Cowboys or a step back for him, individually, to change the way we're putting the game plan together or calling the plays."

Yes, it is.

Let's call it what it is: a demotion.

Do you agree that it's a demotion? Will this turn out to be a good thing for Jason Garrett and the Cowboys? And to read more of this column, click here.