Who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys under Jerry Jones?
Who Will Be the Next Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys Under Jerry Jones?
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, and their success is heavily tied to the leadership provided by their head coach. However, with the current tenure of Mike McCarthy under increasing scrutiny, the question of who will be the next head coach of the Cowboys is more pertinent than ever. Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, has long been known for his bold decisions, and as the team continues to search for its elusive Super Bowl championship, Jones faces a pivotal choice in determining the future direction of the franchise.
After a tumultuous period for the Cowboys, where McCarthy has failed to deliver on expectations and advance deep into the playoffs, the question of the next head coach is rising in importance. Dallas has the talent to compete at the highest level—Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and other key players provide the potential for success—but coaching stability is essential to turning that talent into a championship-contending team.
In this article, we will explore the potential candidates to become the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys under Jerry Jones’ stewardship. We will also analyze the key factors that could influence Jones’ decision and how a new head coach could revitalize a team that has struggled to return to the top of the NFL hierarchy for decades.
The Current State of the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity in the postseason for several years, often finishing with solid regular season records but struggling to win crucial playoff games. McCarthy’s tenure has not lived up to expectations, despite his reputation as a Super Bowl-winning coach. After the Cowboys were bounced from the playoffs in the Divisional Round in 2023, many fans and analysts began questioning whether McCarthy was the right leader to take the team to the promised land.
Under McCarthy’s leadership, Dallas has been known for its strong defense, led by Micah Parsons and a revamped secondary. However, the offense, particularly Dak Prescott, has not consistently performed in the high-pressure moments needed to win a championship. The team has made strides under McCarthy, but the inability to break through into the NFC Championship game or further has raised doubts about his future.
Additionally, McCarthy’s controversial decision-making, including the team’s inability to adapt offensively during key playoff games, has left fans and analysts clamoring for change. Many have called for a more innovative head coach to unlock the true potential of the Cowboys roster. With Jerry Jones’ reputation as a hands-on owner who is never shy about making bold moves, it remains to be seen whether McCarthy’s tenure will continue or if Jones will pull the trigger on a coaching change.
Key Factors Influencing the Coaching Decision
Before diving into potential candidates, it’s important to understand the factors that will shape Jerry Jones’ decision about the next head coach of the Cowboys. Several elements must be considered as Jones weighs his options.
1. A Proven Track Record
Jerry Jones is known for making bold hires, but he also tends to favor head coaches with a proven track record. While McCarthy did bring a Super Bowl to Green Bay in 2011, his time with the Cowboys has been less than inspiring in terms of postseason success. Jones may ultimately decide that he needs a coach with a fresh approach to take the Cowboys back to the elite level.
Jones values experience, so the next head coach will likely be someone who has demonstrated success with a previous team, whether that be a coach who has already won championships, turned around a franchise, or had a major impact on player development.
2. Offensive Innovation
The Dallas Cowboys have an elite defense, but the team’s offensive production has been inconsistent. Dak Prescott, despite his talent, has struggled with turnovers and hasn’t been able to elevate the offense in big games. As the NFL has evolved, offenses have become more dynamic and innovative, and Jerry Jones may feel that the next head coach needs to bring a modern offensive system that can unlock Prescott’s potential and turn the Cowboys into a high-powered team.
A head coach who can bring creativity to the offense, particularly in terms of play design and quarterback development, could be the key to helping the Cowboys move past their playoff woes.
3. A Strong Leader Who Can Handle Jerry Jones’ Influence
Jerry Jones is one of the most hands-on owners in all of sports, and his influence over the Cowboys is unquestionable. While Jones has a penchant for making big moves and adjusting course when necessary, the next head coach must be able to work with Jones while maintaining their autonomy.
The ability to work alongside Jones, manage the pressure of being a Cowboys head coach, and handle the public scrutiny of such a high-profile position will be essential for the next head coach. Jones values strong personalities and is more likely to hire someone who commands respect in the locker room and the media.
Potential Candidates for the Next Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
With these factors in mind, let’s look at potential head coaching candidates who could be on Jerry Jones’ radar for the 2025 season and beyond.
1. Sean Payton
Perhaps the most obvious and high-profile candidate for the Cowboys’ head coach job is Sean Payton. Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive minds. His innovative offense helped shape one of the most consistent and productive units in the league during his tenure with the Saints.
Payton is a proven Super Bowl champion and has the ability to adapt and build offenses around his personnel, making him an ideal candidate for a team like the Cowboys that has a dynamic quarterback like Dak Prescott. Payton has a track record of success, with multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory, and his offensive acumen would immediately improve the Cowboys’ ability to compete with the league’s best teams.
Additionally, Payton has experience coaching in high-pressure situations and has demonstrated the ability to lead a team for an extended period of time. His leadership, particularly in managing personalities and establishing a winning culture, would be an asset to a franchise like the Cowboys, who are looking to break free from their playoff struggles.
2. Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn is currently the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys and has already proven himself as a capable leader within the organization. Quinn has a strong defensive mind, and under his leadership, the Cowboys’ defense has been one of the top units in the NFL. He also has experience as a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017.
Quinn’s ability to build strong defensive units, combined with his leadership qualities, makes him a strong candidate to take over the Cowboys. While his offensive experience may not be as extensive as others, Quinn could elevate the defense further while working alongside an offensive-minded coordinator to maximize the Cowboys’ offensive potential. Many believe Quinn has the potential to be a head coach again, and his current role in Dallas could position him well to make the leap to the top job if McCarthy’s tenure comes to an end.
3. Kellen Moore
A younger, more innovative candidate could be Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator. Moore, who previously played quarterback in the NFL, has shown impressive creativity in his play-calling and ability to design high-scoring offenses. He has developed a strong rapport with Dak Prescott and has implemented schemes that have allowed Prescott to shine in several seasons.
While Moore’s young age and limited head coaching experience might raise some questions, he has been a rising star in the coaching ranks and has the potential to turn the Cowboys’ offense into one of the most potent in the league. His understanding of modern offensive systems and quarterback development makes him a strong candidate for the future, especially with a quarterback like Prescott at the helm.
Moore also understands the Cowboys’ culture and would not need much time to adjust to the pressure of coaching in Dallas. His innovative approach could help transform the Cowboys into a Super Bowl contender.
4. Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, could also be a candidate for the Cowboys’ top job. Zimmer is known for his strong defensive background and his ability to develop and manage elite defensive units. While his time in Minnesota didn’t result in a Super Bowl victory, Zimmer led the Vikings to multiple playoff appearances and established one of the NFL’s most consistently tough defenses during his tenure.
Zimmer’s experience in high-stakes situations and his leadership style could make him a good fit in Dallas, particularly if Jerry Jones values a coach who can build on the Cowboys’ defensive success while also addressing the offensive inconsistencies. If the Cowboys are looking for a head coach who will bring stability and a strong defensive culture, Zimmer could be a strong candidate.
