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

The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” are a franchise with a storied history and an enormous following. Whether it’s their success during the 1990s, led by iconic coach Jimmy Johnson or their legendary coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys have been one of the most recognizable names in sports. However, in recent years, despite having a roster full of talent, the team has consistently fallen short of winning the Super Bowl. As a result, the search for the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has become one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL world.

The current head coach, Mike McCarthy, has had his ups and downs since being hired in 2020, but his time with the Cowboys may be nearing its end. With rumors swirling about potential changes to the coaching staff and pressure mounting from fans and the media, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, is faced with a critical decision: who will lead the team into the future?

The Background: Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ Coaching Situation

Jerry Jones is as famous for his bold decisions off the field as he is for the Cowboys’ historical on-field success. Since purchasing the team in 1989, Jones has been heavily involved in nearly every aspect of the franchise, including the hiring of head coaches. He made a major splash when he hired Jimmy Johnson in 1989, a decision that helped bring the Cowboys three Super Bowl titles in four years. After parting ways with Johnson in 1994, Jones hired Barry Switzer, who led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl win in 1995.

However, since then, the Cowboys have struggled to find sustained success at the head coach position. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett both had stints as head coaches, but neither could bring the Cowboys to the Super Bowl, despite having rosters filled with talent. In 2020, Jerry Jones hired Mike McCarthy, the former Green Bay Packers coach, in the hopes that his experience and Super Bowl-winning pedigree would bring stability and success to the Cowboys.

However, McCarthy’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they have failed to make significant playoff runs. The Cowboys’ defense, in particular, has been inconsistent, and McCarthy has faced criticism for his inability to take full advantage of the team’s offensive weapons, particularly Dak Prescott.

As rumors intensify about McCarthy’s future in Dallas, Jones is reportedly evaluating several potential candidates to take over the team. But who will be the next head coach of the Cowboys? Let’s break down the candidates and factors that could influence Jerry Jones’ decision.

The Potential Candidates for the Job

1. Dan Quinn (Current Defensive Coordinator)

One of the most obvious and discussed candidates is the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn. After a difficult tenure as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance but ultimately was fired due to underwhelming results, Quinn has rejuvenated his career with the Cowboys. Under Quinn’s guidance, the Cowboys’ defense has dramatically improved, particularly in terms of turnovers and pass rush, thanks to standout performances from players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs.

Quinn’s influence has been crucial in turning the Cowboys’ defense into a formidable unit, and he has earned significant respect around the league for his ability to scheme against high-powered offenses. Jerry Jones is known for his love of defense, and Quinn’s success could make him a strong candidate for the head coaching job. He also has experience as a head coach in the NFL, which could help provide the necessary leadership for the team to take the next step.

Furthermore, Jones may be looking for a coach who can instill a tougher, more disciplined culture on both sides of the ball, and Quinn fits that mold. However, his ability to manage the overall aspects of the Cowboys’ roster, including the offense, remains a question. If Quinn gets the job, he will need to show that he can adapt to the role of a head coach beyond defense and manage the team’s offensive talent effectively.

2. Kellen Moore (Current Offensive Coordinator)

Another name that consistently comes up in discussions surrounding the Cowboys’ next head coach is Kellen Moore, the team’s current offensive coordinator. Moore has developed a reputation as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ offense has ranked among the top in the league in several key statistical categories, including total yards and passing efficiency.

Moore is also known for his creative play-calling and ability to adapt his schemes to maximize the talent at his disposal, particularly with Dak Prescott at quarterback. Many believe that Moore could be the right coach to bring out the best in Prescott and build a high-powered offense that could finally deliver the Super Bowl championship that Cowboys fans have longed for.

One of the key advantages Moore has is his familiarity with the roster. Having spent multiple years as the offensive coordinator, he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team’s key players. This continuity could provide stability for the team, especially if Jones is looking for a coach who can continue to build on the success of the offense without missing a beat.

However, Moore is still a relatively young coach with limited experience as the top decision-maker. There is a risk involved in promoting him to head coach, as he may face challenges in managing the overall team and creating a well-balanced system. Some critics argue that Moore’s offense has at times been too reliant on Prescott, with questions about the team’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

3. Sean Payton (Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach)

One of the most intriguing and talked-about names in Cowboys coaching rumors 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 NFL and is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and create dynamic offenses. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and consistently fielded competitive teams throughout his tenure in New Orleans.

Payton’s potential availability is a topic of major speculation, as he stepped down from the Saints following the 2021 season and has been linked to several NFL coaching jobs since then. There have been rumors that Jones is interested in Payton, given his proven track record and leadership abilities. Payton’s experience in managing all aspects of a team, including offense, defense, and special teams, could be exactly what the Cowboys need to break through their playoff struggles and return to championship contention.

The major question surrounding Payton is whether he’s interested in returning to coaching right away and, if so, whether he would want to take on the challenge of leading the Cowboys. Payton’s reputation as a sharp strategist and motivator could be a perfect fit for a team like the Cowboys, who have championship-level talent but have struggled to reach their potential.

4. Jim Harbaugh (University of Michigan Head Coach)

Another name that has been floated as a potential candidate for the Cowboys’ job is Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the University of Michigan. Harbaugh has a proven track record at both the collegiate and NFL levels, having led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2012 and establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in college football. His brash, no-nonsense style and ability to get the best out of his players has made him a fan favorite in many circles.

There have been rumors that Harbaugh may be interested in returning to the NFL, especially after his success at Michigan and the potential for a change of scenery. His leadership, combined with his extensive NFL experience, could be exactly what the Cowboys need to take their team to the next level. However, Harbaugh’s demanding coaching style might not mesh perfectly with Jerry Jones’ vision for the Cowboys, and it remains to be seen if the two would work well together.

The Key Factors in Jones’ Decision

As Jerry Jones considers his options, several key factors will likely influence his decision about the next head coach of the Cowboys:

1. Championship Pedigree: Jerry Jones has been chasing another Super Bowl title for decades, and any coach coming to Dallas will need to show that they have the ability to win at the highest level. This could favor candidates like Sean Payton, who has won a Super Bowl, or Dan Quinn, who has experience as a head coach in big moments.
2. Ability to Maximize Dak Prescott: Dak Prescott is the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense, and any coach will need to find a way to get the best out of him. Coaches like Kellen Moore and Sean Payton, who have developed strong relationships with Prescott, could have an edge in this area.
3. Defensive Improvement: The Cowboys’ defense has improved under Dan Quinn, and Jones will likely prioritize a coach who can maintain that defensive success while also improving the offense.
4. Team Culture and Leadership: The next coach must be able to handle the pressure of leading one of the most high-profile teams in sports. Strong leadership and the ability to create a winning culture will be critical.

 A Critical Decision

The search for the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is one of the most important decisions in the franchise’s recent history. Jerry Jones is under immense pressure to find a coach who can bring a championship to Dallas, and he has a number of viable options. Whether it’s Dan Quinn, Kellen Moore, Sean Payton, or even Jim Harbaugh, Jones will have to carefully weigh each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses before making his decision.

Ultimately, the next head coach will need to maximize the Cowboys’ talent, manage the pressure of coaching “America’s Team,” and, most importantly, win championships. The choice Jerry Jones makes will define the future of the Cowboys for years to come, and fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement.