Who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

Who Will Be the Next Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” are one of the most iconic and historically successful franchises in the NFL. With a rich legacy, immense fan support, and high expectations every season, the Cowboys find themselves under the constant scrutiny of the media, fans, and analysts. One of the most important decisions the franchise faces is selecting the right head coach to lead the team. While Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ long-time owner, has made the ultimate decisions on coaching hires, the question of who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys remains a subject of speculation as the team looks to the future.

This article will explore several factors that will influence the Cowboys’ decision-making process in hiring their next head coach. We’ll look at the current state of the Cowboys under head coach Mike McCarthy, who has been the head coach since 2020, and evaluate the potential candidates who could replace him if and when a coaching change occurs. From established NFL coaches to rising stars, there are several names being floated in discussions about the future of the team.

The Current Situation: Mike McCarthy’s Tenure

Since Mike McCarthy was hired by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, the expectations have been high. McCarthy was brought in to revitalize a Cowboys team that had a talented roster but had failed to achieve consistent success under previous head coach Jason Garrett. McCarthy’s background, which includes a Super Bowl championship as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and a long tenure with a successful organization, made him an appealing candidate.

However, McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by both promise and frustration. In his first season (2020), the team finished with a disappointing 6-10 record, hindered by injuries to key players like quarterback Dak Prescott. The following season (2021), the Cowboys improved, finishing with a 12-5 record and winning the NFC East. Despite this regular-season success, the team was eliminated early in the playoffs in a Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, raising questions about McCarthy’s ability to lead the team in big moments.

In 2022, McCarthy’s Cowboys finished 12-5 again, but the postseason struggles continued, culminating in a Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers once more. This pattern of high regular-season success but disappointing playoff exits has created mounting pressure on McCarthy’s job security.

As of 2025, McCarthy’s future with the team is uncertain. Jerry Jones has a history of sticking with head coaches for extended periods, but if the Cowboys continue to underperform in the postseason, a change might be inevitable. The NFL is a results-driven league, and while regular-season success is important, the ultimate goal is Super Bowl championships. Should McCarthy fail to deliver in the playoffs once again, it may signal that it’s time for the Cowboys to move in a new direction.

Key Factors in Selecting the Next Head Coach

When considering who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, several factors come into play:

1. Playoff Success and Championship Potential: The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with five Super Bowl titles. The franchise has a passionate fanbase, and ownership expects Super Bowl contention every season. McCarthy has struggled in the playoffs, which could hurt his standing. Whoever takes over as head coach will have to guide the Cowboys not just to the playoffs but to championship contention.
2. Dak Prescott and Offensive Leadership: Dak Prescott is the face of the Cowboys, and whoever takes over the head coaching role will need to maximize Prescott’s potential. As the team’s quarterback, Prescott needs a coach who can develop him further, refine his decision-making, and enhance the offensive scheme. The next head coach will be expected to work closely with Prescott and the offense to elevate their performance.
3. Defensive Improvement: The Cowboys’ defense has shown promise, with standout players like Micah Parsons leading the way. The next head coach will need to continue to improve the defense and ensure that it remains a formidable unit, capable of playing at a high level in the postseason.
4. Cultural Fit and Chemistry: The Cowboys’ next head coach will need to build strong relationships with players, staff, and ownership. Jerry Jones places a high value on personal connections and maintaining harmony within the organization. The next head coach must be someone who can foster team chemistry and align with the franchise’s long-term goals.

Potential Candidates for the Job

If Jerry Jones decides to part ways with Mike McCarthy, there are several potential candidates who could take over as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. These candidates range from established NFL coaches with prior head coaching experience to up-and-coming coordinators who could bring fresh ideas to the team.

1. Sean Payton – Former Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints

One of the most high-profile names being linked to the Cowboys is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the game, having led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and consistently fielding one of the NFL’s most potent offenses during his tenure.

After stepping down from the Saints in 2022, Payton’s name immediately came up in coaching rumors, and many analysts believe he could be an ideal fit for the Cowboys. His experience, leadership, and ability to develop quarterbacks make him a strong candidate. Payton is known for his no-nonsense attitude and ability to adapt his schemes to his players, which could be just what the Cowboys need to take the next step.

The connection to the Cowboys is also intriguing given Payton’s relationship with Jerry Jones. Both have mutual respect for one another, and Payton’s personality would likely align well with the Cowboys’ high expectations. While Payton’s contract with the Saints would likely require compensation from the Cowboys, it’s a deal many expect Jerry Jones to consider if the Cowboys do not achieve postseason success under McCarthy.

2. Dan Quinn – Defensive Coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys

Another name that has been frequently discussed is Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. Quinn has done an exceptional job with the Cowboys’ defense, helping transform it into one of the league’s most aggressive and opportunistic units. Under Quinn’s leadership, players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence have flourished, and the defense has become a strength of the team.

Quinn is highly respected as a leader and defensive mastermind, and his background as the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016) has garnered him attention. As a defensive-minded coach, Quinn would bring a different philosophy to the Cowboys compared to McCarthy, who has primarily focused on offense. However, it’s clear that Quinn’s leadership and coaching acumen have had a positive impact on the Cowboys, and many believe he’s a strong candidate for the head coaching role.

Quinn’s ability to foster a strong defensive culture and his familiarity with the team’s players could make him an ideal fit for the job. If McCarthy’s tenure ends, Quinn could very well be the natural choice for the position.

3. Kellen Moore – Offensive Coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys

Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, is another candidate who could be considered for the head coach position. Moore has been with the Cowboys since 2018, first as quarterbacks coach and later as offensive coordinator. He has overseen the development of Dak Prescott and the evolution of the Cowboys’ offense into one of the more potent units in the NFL.

Moore’s ability to design creative, high-powered offenses has made him a popular name in coaching circles. His offensive schemes have been lauded for their innovation, and he has earned praise for his ability to adapt to different situations and personnel. His youth and energy make him a potentially appealing choice for a Cowboys team that is looking for a fresh, dynamic voice to lead them forward.

However, the question surrounding Moore is whether he’s ready to take on the responsibilities of being a head coach. While he’s shown great promise as an offensive mind, transitioning from coordinator to head coach is a significant leap, and many would argue that Moore needs more seasoning before being considered for such a high-profile role.

4. Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator of the Washington Commanders

Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, has been a widely discussed name for several head coaching vacancies in recent years. As the former offensive coordinator under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, Bieniemy played a significant role in the development of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-flying offense, which has been one of the most explosive units in the NFL.

Bieniemy’s experience in building an elite offense and his track record of working with elite quarterbacks make him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys, especially given Dak Prescott’s potential and the team’s offensive weapons. While Bieniemy has faced some criticism for not securing a head coaching job previously, his reputation as a well-respected leader is undeniable.

The question with Bieniemy will be whether he can continue to build on his success in Washington and whether he would be willing to take on the challenge of leading a storied franchise like the Cowboys.

5. DeMeco Ryans – Head Coach of the Houston Texans

Finally, DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Houston Texans, is a name that has garnered attention in NFL coaching circles. Ryans, a former linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, led one of the NFL’s top defenses before taking the head coaching job with the Texans. His leadership style, defensive expertise, and ability to develop young talent have earned him respect as a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Ryans’ success with the Texans could lead to interest from teams like the Cowboys in the future, especially if the team continues to prioritize building a balanced roster with strong defensive play. If the Cowboys look for a coach with a defensive background, Ryans could be an intriguing option.