Garrett decides to stay with Dallas

DALLAS (Reuters) - Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was appointed assistant head coach on Thursday after spurning an offer from the Baltimore Ravens to become their new head coach.

"We're thrilled that Jason will be with the team in 2008 and moving forward," Dallas owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. "We believe that what we accomplished in 2007 is just the beginning of many productive years ahead.

"His vision and direction on the offensive side of the ball will only help us improve and help us get to where we want to be."

The Cowboys assistant head coaching position became available on Wednesday when Tony Sparano was named the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Garrett, who earlier this week declined an offer by the Ravens to replace the recently fired Brian Billick, also met with the Atlanta Falcons about their head coaching vacancy.

The Cowboys finished 13-3 during the 2007 regular season but were bounced from the playoffs last weekend by the New York Giants. Seven of Dallas's offensive players were named to the Pro Bowl, perhaps providing an incentive for Garrett to stay.

Garrett is a three-year assistant who spent 12 years as an NFL player.

"Having Jason back is great," said head coach Wade Phillips. "It's a real positive for our team. From a coaching perspective, I don't think you can emphasize enough how important continuity is to a football team."

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington, editing by Miles Evans)