Is Robert Saleh set to be the Dallas Cowboys’ next head coach?

The head coaching position of the Dallas Cowboys is one of the most coveted and high-profile roles in all of professional sports. The team’s success, vast fan base, and storied history make it an attractive destination for any aspiring head coach. For Robert Saleh, the current head coach of the New York Jets, the possibility of taking over the helm in Dallas has been a topic of frequent speculation. As we move deeper into the NFL season and talk about the future of the Cowboys’ coaching situation heats up, the question looms: Could Robert Saleh be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

Saleh’s Rise to Prominence

Before diving into whether Saleh could make the jump to the Cowboys, it’s important to look at his coaching journey. Robert Saleh, who is known for his energetic and fiery coaching style, first made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Under his leadership, the 49ers’ defense became one of the best in the NFL, highlighted by their impressive 2019 season in which they reached the Super Bowl.

Saleh’s ability to develop a fierce defense, focusing on a 4-3 base scheme that emphasizes speed and physicality, earned him significant recognition around the league. His defenses in San Francisco were aggressive, opportunistic, and well-coached, and his leadership style quickly endeared him to players, fellow coaches, and executives across the league. This success ultimately led to Saleh’s opportunity to become a head coach when the New York Jets hired him in 2021.

In New York, Saleh has faced his share of challenges, but his leadership qualities and defensive acumen have continued to shine. The Jets’ defense under Saleh has dramatically improved, transforming into one of the league’s top units, with Saleh himself often credited for the development of standout players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Saleh’s reputation as a defensive mastermind has only grown since his time with the 49ers, and his potential as a long-term head coach is increasingly being recognized across the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys’ Head Coach Situation

The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team in the spotlight, with one of the most recognizable brands in the NFL. However, they have also been a team with questions surrounding their head coach, particularly in recent years. Mike McCarthy, who has been the Cowboys’ head coach since 2020, has faced both praise and criticism. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys have had a consistent regular-season record but have struggled to make deep playoff runs, often falling short in critical moments.

In particular, McCarthy has been under heavy scrutiny for his play-calling and game management, especially in the playoffs. In 2023, despite a solid regular-season performance, the Cowboys once again underperformed in the postseason, leading many to wonder if McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas would come to an end.

Owner Jerry Jones has made no secret of his desire to see the Cowboys return to championship glory, and with the team’s window of contention likely open for the next few years with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and an elite defense, there is growing speculation that Jones might be looking for a new direction at head coach. If Jones were to make a change, he would likely be seeking a coach who can maximize the team’s talent and lead them to a Super Bowl.

Saleh’s Fit with the Cowboys

Robert Saleh’s name has come up frequently in connection with the Cowboys’ potential head coaching search. Saleh’s dynamic and inspiring leadership, paired with his ability to develop and lead a defense, would appear to make him an excellent fit for a team with a strong defense like the Cowboys. Under Saleh’s leadership, the Jets’ defense has been aggressive and opportunistic, characteristics that align with the Cowboys’ current defensive strength, particularly with Micah Parsons and a formidable pass-rush.

One of the key elements of Saleh’s appeal is his reputation as a fiery, emotional leader who brings a high level of intensity to his teams. The Cowboys, a team that sometimes struggles with consistency and focus, could benefit from a coach who instills a relentless mentality in his players. Saleh’s infectious passion and commitment to discipline could help ensure the Cowboys stay focused and motivated throughout the season.

Another factor to consider is Saleh’s background as a defensive coordinator. While the Cowboys’ offense is already solid with Prescott, Lamb, and a strong offensive line, the defense is likely the team’s most promising area of strength. Saleh’s expertise in defensive football could make him the ideal person to continue to develop Dallas’ already elite defense and to ensure that the Cowboys remain dominant on that side of the ball.

Furthermore, the Cowboys’ tendency to fall short in big moments under McCarthy could also make them more inclined to consider someone like Saleh, who has proven himself in high-pressure situations. In addition to his work with the 49ers and Jets, Saleh’s leadership style has earned him the respect of players, many of whom have lauded him for his ability to motivate and inspire. For a team like the Cowboys, who are constantly under the microscope, having a head coach with the mental fortitude to handle the pressure could be a game-changer.

Challenges for Saleh in Dallas

While Saleh’s coaching style and background make him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys, there are also challenges that could stand in the way of his potential move to Dallas.

First, there’s the matter of Jerry Jones’ ownership and his influence on team decisions. Jones has historically played an active role in the day-to-day operations of the Cowboys, including making significant decisions about the team’s coaching staff. Jones’ preference for a certain coaching style or philosophy may not align with Saleh’s approach. If Jones is looking for a coach who can work well within his system, it’s unclear if Saleh would be the perfect fit.

Additionally, Saleh’s experience as a head coach is still relatively limited. While he has been successful in terms of developing a defense and has shown leadership potential, some might argue that his resume as a head coach doesn’t yet match the level of experience that the Cowboys may be looking for, especially given the high expectations that come with the job.

Finally, Saleh’s relationship with the New York Jets would also be an obstacle. Although it is not uncommon for coaches to leave for other opportunities, Saleh would have to leave a relatively stable situation in New York if he were to take the job in Dallas. While there’s no indication that Saleh is unhappy in New York, the allure of coaching the Cowboys could be hard to resist for any coach looking for a chance to lead a historic franchise.

The Cowboys’ Coaching Search and the Competition

If the Cowboys decide to move on from McCarthy, they will likely have several strong candidates to choose from. Saleh would certainly be a part of that pool, but he would face competition from other well-established coaches or up-and-coming coordinators. Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator, is another name that could be in the running. Quinn has done an excellent job with Dallas’ defense and is a former head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, so he brings experience to the table.

Additionally, the Cowboys may look at offensive-minded coaches, especially if they decide to shift the direction of their team towards a more dynamic offensive approach. Coaches like Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator now with the Los Angeles Chargers, or Eric Bieniemy of the Washington Commanders, could also be considered.