Cowboys head coach tracker: Latest rumors, news and updates on candidates for Dallas

The search for a new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is one of the most critical storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. After several years of playoff disappointment and a lack of progress in terms of postseason success, owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are gearing up to make an impactful decision that could shape the future of the franchise. With a roster full of elite talent such as quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive stars Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, and explosive weapons like CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys are in a unique position to compete for championships. However, their inability to break through in the playoffs has raised doubts about the current leadership and whether a change at the top could push them over the hump.

As speculation swirls around the status of Mike McCarthy—the incumbent head coach—the Dallas Cowboys’ leadership is carefully evaluating potential replacements. While McCarthy still has a job, the team’s early playoff exits and inability to reach the NFC Championship have intensified the conversation. Some are questioning whether he’s the right leader to take the team to the promised land. In this head coach tracker, we’ll break down the latest rumors, the news surrounding McCarthy’s job security, and the top candidates who could potentially replace him in 2025.

Mike McCarthy’s Status and Speculation Surrounding His Future

Mike McCarthy’s tenure as head coach of the Cowboys has been a mixed bag. On one hand, the team has been successful in the regular season, with McCarthy overseeing a 12-win season in 2024, and consistent playoff berths since his arrival. However, the Cowboys have fallen short in the postseason, most notably during the 2024 NFC Divisional Round when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite an offense that boasts Prescott and Lamb, and a defense featuring Parsons, the Cowboys have consistently failed to make it past the divisional round in recent seasons.

While McCarthy has a Super Bowl championship on his resume from his time with the Green Bay Packers, the inability to get Dallas to the next level has created increasing pressure from both fans and the front office. Jerry Jones is a notoriously demanding owner, and his desire for Super Bowl contention often outweighs regular-season success.

The latest reports suggest that McCarthy’s job could be on the line depending on how the Cowboys perform in the 2025 postseason. Some insiders believe that if Dallas suffers another early playoff exit, McCarthy could be let go. However, Jones has remained largely noncommittal about the future of McCarthy, even as speculation around his potential firing has been rampant.

Candidates to Replace Mike McCarthy

The search for a new head coach, should the Cowboys part ways with McCarthy, is already in full swing. There are several high-profile candidates who could step in and take this team to the next level. Below are the most talked-about names that could be in the running for the position.

1. DeMeco Ryans – Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

DeMeco Ryans has quickly become one of the most sought-after head coach candidates in the NFL. The current defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans has turned the team’s defense into one of the most formidable units in the league. His ability to get the most out of players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Charvarius Ward has garnered widespread attention, and many see him as the future of the NFL coaching ranks.

Ryans, a former linebacker for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his leadership skills and his no-nonsense approach to defense. Under his guidance, the 49ers have consistently ranked among the top defenses in the league in total defense, sacks, and takeaways. His impact on the 49ers’ success has led many to believe he could be the perfect candidate to lead a Cowboys team that boasts its own defensive studs, including Micah Parsons.

The Cowboys’ defense has already been one of the league’s best in recent seasons, and hiring Ryans could help elevate the unit even further. His emphasis on discipline, accountability, and player development could also help the Cowboys’ defense achieve even more dominance. Ryans is highly regarded for his ability to relate to players and foster a winning culture. His leadership could be the perfect fit for a Cowboys team on the cusp of championship contention.

2. Kellen Moore – Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers

Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, is a name that has gained significant traction in coaching circles. Moore, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2024, helped the team achieve impressive offensive performances under the leadership of quarterback Dak Prescott. His innovative and balanced offensive schemes helped maximize the potential of the Cowboys’ talent, and his departure for the Los Angeles Chargers has only increased the speculation that he could return to Dallas as head coach.

Moore’s impact on Dak Prescott’s development was especially notable, as the Cowboys’ quarterback reached new heights in terms of statistical production during Moore’s tenure. Moore is also praised for his ability to adapt his offensive game plan to suit the strengths of his players, making him an appealing option for a Cowboys offense that has a wealth of talent in Prescott, Lamb, and a strong offensive line.

While his time in Los Angeles hasn’t yet reached the same level of success as his time in Dallas, Moore remains a highly regarded offensive mind. His return to Dallas could bring fresh ideas to a team that is looking to take the next step offensively. If the Cowboys were to hire Moore, it could signal a new era of offensive innovation that could help propel the team to greater success in the postseason.

3. Dan Quinn – Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

Another internal candidate for the job is Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Quinn has been with Dallas since 2021, and his influence on the defense has been transformative. Under his guidance, the Cowboys’ defense has become one of the most dominant in the league, especially in terms of creating turnovers and getting after the quarterback. The emergence of Micah Parsons as a defensive superstar can be largely attributed to Quinn’s tutelage.

Quinn’s experience as a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017, makes him a strong candidate for a promotion. He is known for his ability to connect with players, and his leadership style has been effective in creating a disciplined and motivated unit. While Quinn’s time in Atlanta didn’t end on the best note, his ability to build strong defenses and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster could make him a seamless transition as head coach.

Quinn’s track record as a defensive mastermind is unquestioned, but the biggest question around him as a head coach is whether he can manage both sides of the ball effectively. While he’s done an outstanding job with the Cowboys’ defense, there are concerns that he may not have the same level of offensive expertise. However, with a talented offensive coordinator already in place, Quinn could focus on running the team as a whole and rely on his staff to take care of the offense.

4. Sean Payton – Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is one of the most experienced and successful coaches available on the market. Payton, who led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, has a well-established track record of success. Over 15 seasons with New Orleans, he built a consistent winner, known for his offensive genius and ability to develop quarterbacks. Payton’s leadership and innovation helped make Drew Brees one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and his offense was a perennial powerhouse.

After stepping down from his position as head coach of the Saints in 2022, Payton is widely expected to return to coaching in 2025. His name has been linked to several NFL teams, including the Cowboys. Payton’s ability to lead an offense and build a championship-winning culture could be just what the Cowboys need. With Dak Prescott under center and a talented supporting cast, Payton could unleash the Cowboys’ full offensive potential. While Payton’s salary demands and preference for full control over the team could complicate matters, his experience makes him one of the top candidates for the Cowboys’ head coach position.

5. Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders

Another intriguing name in the coaching search is Eric Bieniemy, the current offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Bieniemy has spent the past several years as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was instrumental in building one of the most potent offenses in NFL history. His work with Patrick Mahomes helped solidify Mahomes as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

Bieniemy’s ability to design high-powered, creative offenses has made him one of the most coveted coaching prospects in the NFL. His transition to the Commanders in 2024, where he has been tasked with building a successful offense around Sam Howell, has provided Bieniemy with more autonomy, making this an important season for his career. If Bieniemy can continue to build on his success with Washington, he could be the right candidate to take over as head coach of the Cowboys. His pedigree as an offensive mind and experience under Andy Reid could be just what the Cowboys need to unlock their full potential.