As rumors circulate, a number of contenders surface to succeed Mike McCarthy as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach.

The future of the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff has been a topic of much speculation in recent years, and as the 2024 season progresses, the question of who will ultimately replace Mike McCarthy as head coach looms large. McCarthy, who took over as the Cowboys’ head coach in 2020, has had a mixed tenure in Dallas. While he has led the team to playoff appearances and an NFC East division title, the Cowboys have yet to reach the NFC Championship Game during his time at the helm, and many fans and analysts believe that more is expected from the franchise.

With rumors swirling about McCarthy’s job security, the organization may soon face a decision about whether to continue with McCarthy or move on and find a new voice to lead the team. In this piece, we’ll explore several possible candidates to succeed McCarthy as the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, considering both internal and external options, along with their odds of landing the job.

The Case for Mike McCarthy: Staying the Course or Time to Move On?

Before we dive into the list of potential head coach replacements, it’s important to take a moment to assess McCarthy’s current status with the Cowboys.

McCarthy took over from Jason Garrett in 2020 after a tumultuous end to Garrett’s tenure. Initially, McCarthy’s arrival was seen as a positive, given his Super Bowl-winning pedigree with the Green Bay Packers. However, there have been questions about McCarthy’s ability to get the best out of quarterback Dak Prescott and his team in critical moments, especially in the postseason.

Despite making the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, McCarthy’s coaching decisions and the Cowboys’ inability to advance beyond the divisional round of the playoffs have raised doubts. The Cowboys’ performance against elite teams has often been criticized, particularly their inability to win big games in the postseason.

One of the most pressing concerns is the team’s performance in big moments. Whether it’s in high-stakes regular-season matchups or the playoffs, the Cowboys often seem to falter under McCarthy’s watch. McCarthy’s decision-making, particularly around clock management, play-calling, and adjustments, has sometimes left fans frustrated. Though he has an experienced coaching staff around him, McCarthy himself remains under the microscope.

With rumors swirling that McCarthy could be on the hot seat if the Cowboys don’t advance deep into the playoffs this year, the potential for a coaching change grows. But who could potentially replace McCarthy?

Internal Candidates for the Head Coach Position

The Cowboys’ organizational structure is built around a strong front office and coaching staff, so it’s no surprise that several potential internal candidates could emerge if McCarthy were to be dismissed. These candidates might offer continuity in terms of culture and philosophy while bringing fresh perspectives to a team that needs to make the next leap.

Dan Quinn – Defensive Coordinator

Odds: 3/1

Dan Quinn has been a popular name for head coaching jobs ever since he was let go by the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 after a successful tenure as their head coach. The Cowboys hired Quinn to be their defensive coordinator shortly thereafter, and he has worked wonders with the defense, transforming it into one of the league’s most aggressive and dynamic units. Under Quinn’s guidance, the Cowboys’ defense has made significant strides in both pass rush and secondary play.

Quinn’s defensive philosophy, particularly his ability to design blitz packages and create turnovers, has elevated the Cowboys’ defensive performance. His ability to adapt and implement effective game plans has turned a once-porous defense into a formidable unit.

From a leadership perspective, Quinn is well-respected throughout the league. He has a calm demeanor, a strong understanding of how to manage players, and experience in big moments. His previous head coaching stint in Atlanta, while not ending on a high note, still gave Quinn valuable experience in managing a team. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and culture, coupled with his defensive expertise, makes Quinn one of the leading candidates to replace McCarthy if the team decides to go in a new direction.

Kellen Moore – Offensive Coordinator

Odds: 5/1

Another internal candidate for the head coach position is Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator. Moore, who took over as the offensive coordinator in 2019, has been widely regarded as one of the rising stars in coaching circles. His offensive schemes have often been innovative, and he has overseen the development of Prescott into one of the league’s top quarterbacks.

While Moore has helped shape a dynamic passing attack, some questions have been raised about his ability to adjust in key moments, particularly in the postseason. His schemes have been effective in the regular season, but the lack of success in critical playoff games may be a point of concern for some. However, his work with Dak Prescott, along with his youthful energy and offensive mind, makes him a viable candidate for promotion within the Cowboys’ coaching ranks.

If the Cowboys are looking for a fresh voice on the offensive side of the ball, Moore could be a logical replacement for McCarthy, especially if the team values continuity in terms of offensive schemes. His youth and offensive-minded approach could appeal to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is often looking for innovative solutions.

Mike Nolan – Senior Defensive Assistant

Odds: 10/1

Mike Nolan, the Cowboys’ senior defensive assistant, could be considered as a potential candidate. Nolan, a former defensive coordinator with several NFL teams, brings decades of coaching experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Cowboys. He has been working in a more limited capacity in Dallas since being brought in under McCarthy’s staff, but if the Cowboys were to opt for continuity and internal promotion, Nolan could make sense.

His long tenure in the NFL and experience as a defensive-minded coach could offer a steady hand to a defense that has already shown significant improvement under Quinn. However, Nolan’s experience as a head coach in San Francisco was not particularly successful, which might make him a less attractive option than Quinn or Moore.

External Candidates for the Head Coach Position

If Jerry Jones and the Cowboys opt to look outside the organization for their next head coach, several high-profile candidates could make a strong case to take over the franchise. These external candidates would bring a new perspective, and perhaps a different philosophy, to a team that is desperate to return to Super Bowl contention.

Sean Payton – Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach

Odds: 6/1

Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is one of the most high-profile names in the coaching carousel. Payton took a year off from coaching after stepping down from his post with the Saints in 2022, but his name has resurfaced in connection with several head coaching vacancies. Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach, is known for his offensive acumen, leadership, and ability to get the best out of his quarterbacks.

Payton’s success with Drew Brees in New Orleans and his ability to build a consistently competitive team make him a highly attractive candidate for any franchise looking to make a big move. The Cowboys have a championship-caliber roster, and Payton could be the coach to unlock its full potential. If the Cowboys decide to bring in a more seasoned, veteran presence, Payton could be the ideal choice.

Jim Harbaugh – Michigan Wolverines Head Coach

Odds: 8/1

Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, has enjoyed great success at the collegiate level, including a national championship appearance. Harbaugh’s competitive nature, strong leadership, and experience in the NFL as the former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers make him an intriguing candidate for an NFL head coaching role. Harbaugh led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance and has a history of turning teams into contenders quickly.

Though Harbaugh’s name has been linked to several NFL coaching vacancies in recent years, his commitment to Michigan has always been a factor. However, if Harbaugh ever decided to make a return to the NFL, the Cowboys could be an attractive landing spot for him, especially given the talent on the roster.

Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions Head Coach

Odds: 12/1

Dan Campbell, the current head coach of the Detroit Lions, has quickly become one of the most beloved and respected coaches in the NFL. Known for his fiery passion, leadership style, and commitment to building a tough, physical team, Campbell has made a huge impact in Detroit. While the Lions’ rebuild is ongoing, Campbell has helped the team become more competitive and has earned the respect of his players and peers.

Campbell’s emotional approach and leadership could bring a different energy to the Cowboys’ locker room, and his blue-collar mentality might resonate well with a roster looking to break through to the next level. While it may be unlikely that the Cowboys would go after Campbell given his ongoing success in Detroit, his name is worth mentioning as a potential dark horse candidate.