According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys’ hunt for a head coach is nearing to a conclusion.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic and historically successful franchises in NFL history, yet they have not seen a Super Bowl appearance since the mid-1990s. After years of playoff appearances and near-misses, the Cowboys have once again entered a period of intense reflection and change. With head coach Mike McCarthy’s tenure coming to an end, the organization has embarked on an important search to find a leader who can take the team back to its former glory.

The search for the next head coach has been the subject of constant speculation, media attention, and fan anticipation. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, is known for being heavily involved in decisions about the team’s leadership, and this process has been no different. As reports suggest that the Cowboys’ search is nearing its conclusion, the question remains: who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

This article takes an in-depth look at the Cowboys’ coaching search process, the candidates who have emerged as front-runners, and the potential impact of the new hire on the future of the team. We will also explore the broader implications of this hiring decision on the Cowboys’ roster, their playoff ambitions, and the direction of the franchise moving forward.

The Coaching Search: How the Dallas Cowboys Got Here

The Dallas Cowboys have had an interesting relationship with head coaches over the years. Since the retirement of legendary coach Tom Landry in 1988, the Cowboys have gone through numerous coaching changes, some successful and some less so. The team has experienced periods of both highs and lows, but the common thread has always been the expectation of greatness that comes with being associated with one of the NFL’s most prestigious franchises.

After the departure of Jason Garrett, who served as the Cowboys’ head coach from 2010 to 2019, the franchise turned to Mike McCarthy to bring a fresh perspective and a Super Bowl pedigree. McCarthy had led the Green Bay Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XLV and brought a wealth of experience to the Cowboys’ organization. However, despite the arrival of a Super Bowl-winning coach, the Cowboys continued to falter in the playoffs. In 2022, they came close to a Super Bowl appearance, but a disappointing loss in the NFC Championship Game once again sent the team home early.

After another playoff exit in 2023, there was growing uncertainty surrounding McCarthy’s future in Dallas. While McCarthy’s coaching style was often praised for its adaptability, critics pointed to the team’s inability to get over the hump in the postseason. As the Cowboys’ roster continued to boast high-caliber talent, including quarterback Dak Prescott and the explosive Micah Parsons, it became clear that the team needed new leadership to take them to the next level.

After the 2023 season, McCarthy was dismissed, and Jerry Jones and the Cowboys began an exhaustive search for a new head coach. The team was looking for someone who could not only lead the Cowboys back to championship contention but also make the necessary adjustments to win when it mattered most.

The Finalists: Who Are the Front-Runners for the Job?

As reports indicate that the Cowboys’ coaching search is nearing its conclusion, several candidates have emerged as front-runners for the job. From experienced NFL coordinators to fresh faces with potential, the list of candidates is varied. Each brings a unique skill set, coaching philosophy, and vision for the future of the Cowboys. Let’s take a look at the primary candidates who could be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

1. Brian Schottenheimer: The Offensive Mind with a Strong Connection to the Team

Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator, has emerged as one of the top candidates for the head coaching position. Schottenheimer has extensive experience as an offensive coach, having previously served as the offensive coordinator for teams like the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. Schottenheimer has a reputation for designing balanced offenses and developing quarterbacks, and his work with Russell Wilson in Seattle helped elevate the Seahawks to the top of the NFC.

What makes Schottenheimer an intriguing option for the Cowboys is his familiarity with the team and his ability to adjust the offense to the strengths of his players. In particular, his close relationship with Dak Prescott makes him a desirable candidate. Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent, especially in the postseason. Schottenheimer’s coaching background could help Prescott refine his game and unlock his full potential.

Schottenheimer has also shown an ability to adapt his system to fit different quarterbacks. This flexibility could help the Cowboys implement an offense that takes advantage of both Prescott’s mobility and his arm strength. If the Cowboys are looking for continuity while also injecting a new offensive mindset into the team, Schottenheimer could be a logical choice.

2. Dan Quinn: The Defensive Guru with Playoff Pedigree

Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has also become a strong contender for the head coach position. Quinn joined the Cowboys in 2021 and immediately turned their defense into one of the best units in the NFL. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys have become known for their aggressive pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, and their ability to create turnovers. The Cowboys’ defense has become a key strength of the team, and much of that success is due to Quinn’s coaching and scheming.

Quinn has previous head coaching experience, having served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020. During his tenure with the Falcons, Quinn led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017, where they were ultimately defeated by the New England Patriots in a historic comeback. Despite the loss, Quinn’s ability to take a team to the Super Bowl and his defensive acumen have made him an attractive candidate for a head coaching job.

With the Cowboys’ offense already featuring a talented quarterback and skill players, a hire like Quinn could solidify the team’s championship potential by improving its defensive consistency. Quinn’s expertise in designing defensive schemes and developing young talent like Parsons makes him a compelling choice for Dallas. If the Cowboys want a head coach who can elevate their defense to even greater heights while maintaining a strong focus on all aspects of the game, Quinn might be their man.

3. Kellen Moore: The Young Offensive Mind with a Familiarity Advantage

Another candidate who has generated significant buzz is Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator. Moore, who has been with the Cowboys since 2018, was widely regarded as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL before his departure after the 2023 season. Moore’s offensive system, which emphasized creativity and explosiveness, helped elevate the play of Dak Prescott and turned the Cowboys into one of the league’s top offenses.

What makes Moore a potential candidate is his familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and his rapport with Prescott. Moore’s ability to create an offense that maximized Prescott’s strengths was evident, but there were also moments where the offense seemed to lack adjustments in high-pressure situations. Moore’s future as a head coach in the NFL will likely depend on whether he can make those necessary adjustments in real-time and take a team to the next level.

If the Cowboys are looking for a coach who knows the inner workings of the offense and can continue to develop Prescott and the offense further, Moore might be a viable candidate. However, some believe that the lack of playoff success in Moore’s tenure as offensive coordinator could lead the Cowboys to look for a more established leader with a broader skill set.

4. Sean Payton: The Big-Name Candidate Who Could Shake Things Up

While not a direct in-house candidate, Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has reportedly been considered as an option for the Dallas Cowboys. Payton has a proven track record as one of the most successful head coaches of the 21st century, including a Super Bowl victory with the Saints. Payton’s ability to build high-powered offenses and develop quarterbacks like Drew Brees has made him one of the most respected coaches in the league.

However, Payton’s hiring would come with a hefty price tag. The Cowboys would likely need to give up significant assets in terms of draft picks or compensation to secure his services. Additionally, Payton has a distinct coaching style that requires the right mix of players and a strong commitment from the front office.

If the Cowboys are willing to make a bold move and invest heavily in Payton’s experience and leadership, he could provide the organization with the veteran guidance it needs to push the team back into Super Bowl contention. Payton’s experience in building a winner would make him a high-profile choice for a team like the Cowboys.

What the New Coach Means for the Cowboys’ Future

Regardless of who is ultimately selected as the Cowboys’ next head coach, the hiring decision will have a profound impact on the direction of the franchise. The Cowboys’ roster is stacked with talent, including Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and others. The key question is: how will the new head coach maximize that talent and lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl?

The Cowboys’ next head coach will need to establish a winning culture that emphasizes consistency, adaptability, and performance in clutch moments. Whether the team hires an offensive-minded coach like Schottenheimer or Moore, or a defensive expert like Quinn, the future of the Cowboys will depend on whether that coach can bring out the best in all areas of the team.

In particular, the new coach will need to refine Dak Prescott’s game, as the quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency in big moments. The coach will also need to improve the team’s performance in the playoffs, where the Cowboys have consistently fallen short in recent years.

The hiring of a new head coach represents a fresh start and a chance for the Cowboys to rewrite their narrative. With a strong roster and the right leadership, the Cowboys can once again become a force in the NFC. Time will tell which coach will be the one to lead them back to the promised land, but for now, the franchise’s search for the perfect fit is nearly complete. The future of the Cowboys rests in the hands of the next leader to guide them to championship glory.