The Dallas Cowboys are still in the process of finding a new head coach, and Ben Johnson’s choice to join the Chicago Bears as their head coach has no bearing on that process.

As the Dallas Cowboys continue their search for a new head coach, the coaching landscape in the NFL remains as dynamic as ever. One recent development, however, has caused a stir in the coaching carousel: Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. While the Bears’ decision to hire Johnson is a significant moment for both the organization and the NFL as a whole, it has no bearing on the ongoing head coaching search for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys’ pursuit of a new head coach is independent of Johnson’s move to Chicago. Despite the intrigue surrounding Johnson’s potential candidacy for other NFL teams, including the Cowboys, his choice to accept the Bears’ offer has not changed the trajectory of Dallas’ coaching search. In fact, it sheds light on the various factors at play as the Cowboys evaluate potential candidates to lead one of the most high-profile franchises in sports.

This article will delve into the current state of the Cowboys’ head coaching search, the significance of Ben Johnson’s hiring by the Bears, and the broader context in which Dallas is seeking a new leader. By analyzing the Cowboys’ current coaching situation and the intricacies of the NFL’s coaching carousel, it becomes clear why Johnson’s move to the Bears does not directly impact Dallas’ plans.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Coaching Search

The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to scrutiny, both on and off the field. The team, led by owner Jerry Jones, is one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL, and its success or failure is always front and center. For the past several seasons, the Cowboys have consistently found themselves in playoff contention but have failed to make a deep postseason run. The team’s inability to make significant progress in the playoffs has led to growing concerns about head coach Mike McCarthy’s ability to lead the team to a championship.

McCarthy, who has served as the head coach of the Cowboys since 2020, has experienced a mixed tenure in Dallas. While he has guided the Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times, the team has faltered in key moments. In particular, Dallas has struggled to advance past the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This lack of postseason success has fueled speculation about McCarthy’s future, especially as the Cowboys have a roster loaded with talent and a fan base eager for success.

The decision to part ways with McCarthy—or at least evaluate his position—has been made even more urgent by the talent on the roster. Quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons are just a few of the standout players on the Cowboys’ roster, and they have the potential to compete for a Super Bowl. However, the team’s inability to perform at the highest level has led to questions about whether McCarthy is the right man to lead them over the hump.

The Cowboys have a history of making bold coaching decisions, and Jones is known for his willingness to be hands-on in the team’s operations. While McCarthy’s job is not yet officially in jeopardy, the team’s disappointing playoff exit may have opened the door to potential change. Jones is carefully weighing his options, considering both internal and external candidates to replace or complement McCarthy, should the need arise.

The Coaching Carousel and Ben Johnson

In the midst of the Cowboys’ coaching search, Ben Johnson’s hire by the Chicago Bears stands out. Johnson, who has served as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator since 2021, has earned widespread acclaim for his innovative offensive strategies and his ability to develop young talent. Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions’ offense has been one of the most exciting and dynamic units in the NFL, leading many to consider him one of the league’s top offensive minds.

Johnson’s success with the Lions has earned him attention from several teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. His ability to maximize the potential of quarterback Jared Goff and develop a high-powered offense made him a popular name in coaching circles. As such, Johnson was considered a potential candidate for other head coaching positions, including that of the Dallas Cowboys.

However, despite the widespread belief that Johnson could be a good fit for the Cowboys, the team ultimately did not pursue him as seriously as some might have expected. Instead, Johnson opted to join the Chicago Bears, a team with its own set of challenges but an organization looking to build a new identity under his leadership. The Bears’ decision to hire Johnson reflects their confidence in his abilities and his potential to help develop quarterback Justin Fields and build a competitive offense.

Johnson’s hiring by the Bears was seen as a significant move in the coaching carousel, but it does not have any direct impact on the Cowboys’ head coaching search. While Johnson’s success with the Lions may have caught the attention of Jones and the Cowboys’ front office, the Cowboys’ coaching search remains focused on other candidates, as Dallas continues to evaluate potential leaders who could bring the team back to Super Bowl contention.

Why Ben Johnson’s Hiring Doesn’t Impact the Cowboys’ Search

Though Ben Johnson was a highly sought-after candidate for various head coaching jobs, including the Cowboys, his decision to accept the Bears’ offer does not significantly alter the direction of Dallas’ coaching search for several reasons:

1. Different Organizational Needs: The Cowboys and Bears are two very different organizations with different needs. While both teams are in search of long-term success, the Cowboys are a team that is already in playoff contention with a Super Bowl-ready roster. Their head coach needs to have the experience and leadership qualities to win big games and lead the team to a championship. The Bears, on the other hand, are in the midst of a rebuilding process. Their focus is on developing quarterback Justin Fields and constructing a competitive team from the ground up. Ben Johnson’s expertise in building an offense from scratch made him a perfect fit for the Bears, but the Cowboys’ expectations and current team structure require a different type of leadership.
2. Different Philosophies: While Ben Johnson’s offensive prowess is undeniable, the Cowboys may be looking for a more balanced leader. Johnson’s success has been rooted in his offensive mind, but the Cowboys may prioritize candidates with broader leadership experience, including defensive expertise or those who have demonstrated success in the postseason. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office will want to ensure that the new head coach can effectively manage all aspects of the team, not just the offense. Thus, the Cowboys may explore other candidates who can offer a more well-rounded approach to coaching.
3. The Current Focus of the Cowboys’ Search: The Cowboys’ search for a head coach is ongoing, and the team is looking at a variety of candidates who could bring success to the franchise. Names such as defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and former NFL head coaches like Sean Payton have been discussed as possible options. The hiring of Ben Johnson by the Bears does not alter the Cowboys’ need for a coach with postseason experience and the ability to make critical in-game decisions. For the Cowboys, the focus remains on finding the right person to maximize their roster and take the team to the next level in the postseason.
4. Internal Candidates Still in Play: While external candidates like Johnson were considered, the Cowboys still have internal options that they are evaluating. Kellen Moore, the team’s offensive coordinator, has been viewed as a potential head coaching candidate due to his work with the offense. Similarly, Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has been lauded for his ability to lead the defense and would bring a different approach as head coach. Both Moore and Quinn have already proven themselves as valuable leaders within the Cowboys’ system, and it is possible that one of them could step into the head coaching role.
5. The Power of Jerry Jones: Ultimately, the decision on the next head coach will come down to Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ outspoken owner. Jones is known for his hands-on approach and his willingness to take risks. While Johnson’s success in Detroit was certainly impressive, Jones is likely focused on finding a coach who can lead the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl. This means that Jones will be looking for a candidate who not only brings offensive innovation or defensive strength but also someone with a proven ability to win in the postseason.