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

Who Will Succeed Mike McCarthy as Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic and storied franchises in the NFL, have long been under the spotlight, not just for their performance on the field but for the pressure of winning a Super Bowl. Despite having a roster packed with talent, the Cowboys have yet to reach the pinnacle of the NFL since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995. After multiple seasons of near-misses, the question remains: who will be the one to guide this talented team to the promised land? As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Mike McCarthy, the current head coach of the Cowboys, finds himself under increasing scrutiny. His tenure has been marked by moments of promise but also by playoff disappointments. It’s in this context that the question of his successor has emerged, with a number of potential candidates already on the radar.

In this article, we will explore the possible successors to Mike McCarthy and analyze the factors that could shape the Cowboys’ decision on the next head coach. This isn’t just about identifying candidates based on their coaching records or histories, but understanding what kind of leader the Cowboys need to end their championship drought and guide the team to greatness.

Mike McCarthy’s Record and Status

Mike McCarthy’s tenure as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach has been a mix of success and frustration. Hired in 2020, McCarthy replaced Jason Garrett, who had spent a decade as the Cowboys’ head coach. Upon his arrival, McCarthy inherited a talented roster but faced challenges adjusting to the team’s culture and coaching staff. Despite early setbacks, McCarthy led the Cowboys to two consecutive NFC East titles in 2021 and 2022. However, his inability to make deep playoff runs has been a source of disappointment, and many wonder if he can truly lead the team to a Super Bowl.

The Cowboys’ performance under McCarthy has been consistent but not championship-caliber. In 2021, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers. In 2022, they made it to the divisional round but were then defeated by the same 49ers, raising more questions about McCarthy’s ability to get the most out of his team when it matters most. His fate has been closely tied to the success of the team in the postseason. The general feeling among fans and analysts is that the Cowboys need to win big games, especially playoff matchups, to truly measure McCarthy’s success.

Jerry Jones, the outspoken owner of the Cowboys, has been vocal about his desire for a Super Bowl-winning coach. Jones has often demonstrated patience with his head coaches, but there is a sense of urgency now. After more than two decades of underachievement, the Cowboys cannot afford to squander another season with a talented roster. This brings us to the question of succession: if McCarthy is let go, who will be the next coach to lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl in over 25 years?

The Ideal Candidate for the Cowboys

Before delving into specific names, it’s essential to consider what qualities Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office would look for in their next head coach. With a roster that boasts top-tier talent like quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys are closer than ever to becoming a true Super Bowl contender. Therefore, the next coach must possess the following attributes:

1. Proven Leadership: The Cowboys need a coach who can manage a roster full of high-profile players and maintain a disciplined, cohesive unit. The head coach must have a track record of leading successful teams and getting the most out of their players in critical moments.
2. Playoff Success: McCarthy’s inability to get the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs has led to growing criticism. The next coach must have a demonstrated ability to succeed in the postseason, where games are decided by small margins and star players need to rise to the occasion.
3. Offensive Innovation: With Prescott at quarterback and an explosive offensive group, the Cowboys need a coach who can devise innovative offensive strategies. This is especially important as the NFL increasingly rewards creative and adaptable offensive systems.
4. Accountability: As one of the most scrutinized franchises in sports, the Cowboys need a coach who can handle the spotlight and hold players accountable. The next coach must be able to manage the pressures of coaching a team with high expectations and navigate the media frenzy that surrounds the Cowboys.

Potential Candidates to Succeed Mike McCarthy

Given these attributes, we can identify several key candidates who could succeed Mike McCarthy. Some of these candidates have prior NFL head coaching experience, while others are up-and-coming assistants who could bring fresh ideas to the franchise.

1. Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)

Arguably the most talked-about candidate to succeed McCarthy is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, with a Super Bowl victory under his belt and a reputation for offensive innovation. His teams were consistently competitive, and his ability to get the most out of quarterbacks—particularly Drew Brees—could be exactly what Prescott needs to take his game to the next level.

After stepping away from coaching in 2022, Payton returned to the NFL as the head coach of the Denver Broncos for the 2023 season. However, should Payton not achieve the desired results in Denver, there could be an opportunity for him to return to a position with a team already established as a contender. The Cowboys, with their star-studded roster and high expectations, could be the perfect landing spot for Payton to resume his quest for another championship.

Payton is known for his ability to innovate offensively, something that could help elevate Prescott’s play and take full advantage of the talent on the Cowboys’ roster. He has a proven ability to succeed in big games, making him a desirable option for Jerry Jones.

2. Dan Quinn (Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)

Another name that has been linked to the Cowboys head coaching job is Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator for Dallas. Quinn, who was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020, has garnered significant respect for his defensive mind and leadership skills. His defenses have consistently been among the top in the league, and he has built a unit in Dallas that is feared by opponents.

Quinn’s previous experience as a head coach could be an asset as the Cowboys look for someone who can manage both sides of the ball. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and culture would allow for a smooth transition should he be promoted from within. Moreover, Quinn’s experience in the postseason, including leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017, makes him a legitimate candidate for the job.

However, Quinn’s success has primarily been on the defensive side of the ball, and the Cowboys may want a coach who can bring innovation to both sides of the ball. The challenge for Quinn would be ensuring that he can effectively manage an offense led by Prescott and help the team reach its full potential.

3. Kellen Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers)

Another name with strong ties to the Cowboys is Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator in Dallas. Moore, who spent several years developing Prescott’s game, left the Cowboys after the 2022 season to take the same role with the Los Angeles Chargers. Known for his high-flying, pass-heavy offense, Moore has the potential to be an excellent head coach, especially given his intimate knowledge of the Cowboys’ roster.

Moore is a young, energetic coach who has already shown promise in his offensive schemes. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ offense was consistently productive, though some questioned his ability to take the offense to the next level in the postseason. Moore’s time with the Chargers will be telling in terms of his ability to lead an offense without the comfort of the Cowboys’ established system. If he succeeds with the Chargers, he could be a prime candidate for the head coach role in Dallas.

4. Deion Sanders (Head Coach, University of Colorado)

While it may seem like a long shot, there has been increasing speculation about the possibility of Deion Sanders making the jump from college football to the NFL. As the head coach of the University of Colorado, Sanders has already proven himself to be a transformational leader, bringing a new level of excitement to the program. His ability to recruit top talent and his bold personality make him a compelling figure in the coaching world.

Sanders’ experience as a Hall of Fame NFL player and his meteoric rise as a college coach could give him the credibility and leadership skills needed to succeed in Dallas. While this transition would be unconventional, Sanders’ popularity, innovative approach to coaching, and high-energy persona could be exactly what the Cowboys need to break through in the postseason. However, his lack of NFL coaching experience could be a significant hurdle for Jerry Jones to overcome.

5. Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders)

Eric Bieniemy, the former offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs and current coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has long been a candidate for NFL head coaching positions. Bieniemy has worked alongside Andy Reid in Kansas City, helping to develop one of the most dynamic offenses in the league with Patrick Mahomes. His experience in crafting game plans for elite quarterbacks and his proven track record could make him a strong fit for the Cowboys.

Bieniemy has been overlooked for head coaching jobs in the past, but his pedigree and success with the Chiefs make him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys. He brings a wealth of experience with high-powered offenses, and his ability to lead a team with high expectations could be a valuable asset for Dallas.