Who will succeed Mike McCarthy as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

In a dramatic turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys made the bold decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy following a series of disappointing playoff exits and halted contract talks. After leading the team since 2020, McCarthy’s time in Dallas was marked by strong regular-season performances but a lack of postseason success. The Cowboys, with one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, have consistently failed to break through the postseason barriers that separate them from true championship contention. As a result, the decision to move on from McCarthy, who had been expected to take the team to the next level, signals a pivotal moment for the organization.

The Cowboys, one of the most storied and high-profile franchises in professional football, find themselves at a crossroads. With the departure of McCarthy, the organization is left to ponder who will be the right leader to take over the helm and lead the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in nearly three decades. The successor must be someone who can maximize the potential of the talented roster, manage the pressure of coaching one of the most scrutinized teams in the league, and, most importantly, secure playoff victories that have eluded the franchise in recent years.

In this article, we will explore some of the top candidates to succeed Mike McCarthy as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach, evaluating their qualifications, track records, and potential fit within the team’s structure. We will consider both internal and external options, ranging from current coordinators to high-profile former head coaches, all while analyzing what characteristics the Cowboys’ ownership and fanbase may look for in their next leader.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Situation

Before diving into the potential candidates, it’s important to understand the unique challenges and expectations that come with being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. As the most valuable and well-known franchise in the NFL, the Cowboys are under constant scrutiny, with the media and fans alike demanding consistent success. The team boasts one of the best rosters in the league, with stars like quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. However, despite this abundance of talent, the Cowboys have struggled to turn that potential into postseason success.

The Cowboys’ front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, is known for making bold decisions, and Jones has made it clear that the team’s ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl. With McCarthy’s departure, Jones will be looking for a head coach who can lead the team to that elusive championship. Jones has a history of hiring high-profile figures, such as Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells, so the next hire is likely to be someone who can command respect and bring a championship pedigree.

Given the current state of the team and its aspirations, the next head coach will need to navigate the high expectations of Dallas fans, manage a talented yet high-pressure roster, and provide the leadership necessary to break through in the playoffs.

Internal Candidates

The Cowboys may choose to stay within the organization and elevate one of their current assistants. Promoting from within allows for continuity and a smoother transition, as the team is already familiar with these candidates. Two internal candidates stand out as potential successors to McCarthy.

Dan Quinn – Defensive Coordinator

Dan Quinn is arguably the most prominent internal candidate for the Cowboys’ head coaching job. Since joining the Cowboys as defensive coordinator in 2021, Quinn has completely transformed the defense into one of the league’s most feared units. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense ranked among the top 10 in key categories, including points allowed, turnovers, and sacks. The defensive front, led by Micah Parsons, has been one of the most dominant forces in the NFL, and Quinn deserves credit for bringing out the best in his players.

Before his time in Dallas, Quinn was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. While his tenure in Atlanta ended in disappointment, with the Falcons failing to capitalize on their success in the following seasons, Quinn’s leadership and experience make him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys. His success in transforming Dallas’ defense and his familiarity with the organization could be key factors in his candidacy.

Quinn’s coaching style emphasizes a strong, aggressive defense, which aligns well with the Cowboys’ current strengths. Additionally, he has the pedigree of a head coach and has worked with a variety of defensive stars, giving him the experience to handle the pressure of the top job. The Cowboys may look to Quinn as a stabilizing force, especially considering the defensive talent on the roster. However, the question remains whether Quinn can take the team to the next level, particularly when it comes to developing a more explosive offense, which remains one of the Cowboys’ primary needs.

Kellen Moore – Former Offensive Coordinator

Kellen Moore, the former Cowboys offensive coordinator, could be another option for the team. Moore, who was let go by the Cowboys after the 2022 season, is now the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Under his leadership, the Chargers’ offense has thrived, particularly with Justin Herbert at quarterback. Moore is known for his creative and aggressive play-calling, and his offenses have typically ranked among the top in the league in terms of total yardage and points.

During his time with the Cowboys, Moore was widely credited with helping develop Dak Prescott into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His offensive schemes allowed Prescott to thrive in both the passing and running games, and he developed a reputation for creating dynamic, high-scoring offenses. However, Moore’s tenure with the Cowboys also had its criticisms, particularly when it came to playoff performances. Many felt that Moore’s play-calling, while effective during the regular season, lacked the creativity and decisiveness needed in high-pressure playoff games.

While Moore’s coaching philosophy is certainly in demand, his lack of playoff success with Dallas could be a red flag. However, his success with the Chargers and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster could make him a viable candidate for the job. If the Cowboys want to focus on continuing their offensive firepower and improving their passing game, Moore may be the right fit.

External Candidates

While promoting from within is always a possibility, the Cowboys may also choose to look outside the organization for their next head coach. Several high-profile candidates have already been mentioned in connection with the Cowboys’ vacancy, and these coaches bring with them a wealth of experience and success in the NFL.

Sean Payton – Former Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints

One of the most talked-about candidates for the Cowboys’ head coach position is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton, who stepped down from his role in New Orleans after the 2021 season, has been out of coaching for a year but is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. During his 15-year tenure with the Saints, Payton helped lead the team to a Super Bowl title and built a consistent winner.

Payton is known for his innovative offensive schemes, particularly in the passing game. He has experience developing quarterbacks, having worked with Drew Brees for over a decade. His ability to create high-powered offenses and manage a locker room would be invaluable for the Cowboys, who have a talented quarterback in Dak Prescott but have failed to develop an elite offense under McCarthy.

There’s also the fact that Payton has experience in big games, including his Super Bowl victory in 2010. His leadership could bring the Cowboys the kind of success they’ve been craving for years. However, Payton’s potential interest in the Cowboys job could depend on several factors, including Jerry Jones’ willingness to pay top dollar for his services. Payton is expected to command a high salary, and there are other teams that may offer him a more attractive situation.

Frank Reich – Former Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts

Another external candidate worth considering is Frank Reich, who was most recently the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Reich has extensive experience as both a coach and a former player in the NFL. He was praised for his ability to work with quarterbacks, having helped develop Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate in 2017 and later leading Philip Rivers to a playoff appearance in 2020.

Reich’s time with the Colts was marked by both successes and struggles, but he was widely regarded as a steady and intelligent leader. His ability to adjust to the changing dynamics of the NFL, including managing younger quarterbacks and building competitive teams, makes him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys.

Reich is known for his offensive-minded approach and his calm, measured demeanor, which could be a good fit for a high-pressure organization like the Cowboys. His experience with quarterback development would be important in helping Prescott continue to evolve, and his adaptability in working with a variety of players and schemes could make him a solid choice.

Other Potential Candidates

There are several other names that could come up as the Cowboys continue their search for a head coach. Jim Harbaugh, currently at the University of Michigan, has been mentioned as a potential candidate due to his success in both college and the NFL. Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, could also be in the mix, given his defensive pedigree and experience. Additionally, Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, could be a strong contender for the role, though his lack of head coaching experience at the NFL level may be a limiting factor.