Despite increasing rumors, the Dallas Cowboys’ hunt for a head coach is “far from over.”

The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise with a storied history and a massive fan base, find themselves at a crucial crossroads. After another disappointing postseason exit in 2024, the team has been left wondering whether it’s time for a new direction at the head coach position. Despite Jerry Jones and his front office reportedly being in the process of evaluating potential candidates, the Cowboys’ search for their next head coach is far from settled. While numerous rumors continue to swirl, the situation remains fluid, with no clear frontrunner emerging just yet. With several high-profile names linked to the job, including some experienced NFL figures and rising coaching talents, this coaching search has the potential to shape the franchise’s future for years to come.

As the franchise that’s often referred to as “America’s Team,” the pressure to succeed is always high for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly when it comes to their coaching decisions. The team has been in search of a head coach who can lead them to a Super Bowl for over two decades, yet the elusive championship remains just out of reach. Despite the undeniable talent on the roster—led by players such as Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb—the Cowboys have been unable to reach the sport’s pinnacle since their last title in 1995. This reality is now prompting Jerry Jones to reevaluate his strategy and consider whether a change at the top is necessary.

The past few seasons under Mike McCarthy have been characterized by regular-season success but postseason disappointment. McCarthy, who took over as head coach in 2020 after Jason Garrett’s long tenure, helped turn the Cowboys into perennial playoff contenders. However, with only one playoff win under his belt during his time in Dallas, the frustration is growing. Even though McCarthy has kept the Cowboys competitive, the team has not been able to get past the divisional round of the playoffs, a standard that simply isn’t good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

With this background, it’s no surprise that Jerry Jones has been considering a change. But despite increasing speculation and swirling rumors, the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach is still very much in the early stages. The process is complicated, and many factors are at play as the franchise works to decide the best course of action.

The Influence of Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones is known for his larger-than-life presence both in the NFL and within his own franchise. As the owner, general manager, and de facto decision-maker for the Cowboys, Jones has built a reputation for being hands-on with the team’s direction. He’s made major decisions over the years, ranging from firing legendary coaches like Tom Landry to hiring controversial figures like Bill Parcells. Jones is intimately involved in every aspect of the Cowboys’ organization, and his personality is often the driving force behind key decisions.

That’s why the rumors surrounding Jones’ feelings on Mike McCarthy’s future in Dallas have taken on even more significance. Despite the early buzz around McCarthy potentially being on the hot seat, Jones has remained somewhat tight-lipped about his coach’s status. Throughout the 2024 season, Jones praised McCarthy’s work, pointing to the improvement of the offense and the defense under the coach’s leadership. However, after another early playoff exit, the pressure on McCarthy reached a boiling point, with many questioning whether his time in Dallas had come to an end.

Reports emerged that Jones had begun looking at possible replacements for McCarthy, further fueling the speculation. Names like Sean Payton, Dan Quinn, and Brian Schottenheimer were linked to the job, and it seemed as though a coaching change was inevitable. However, Jones has made it clear that his process for evaluating candidates is far from over. Despite the mounting rumors, Jones has stated that the Cowboys’ coaching search is not yet close to a conclusion and that no final decision has been made regarding McCarthy’s future.

The State of the Team

The Dallas Cowboys are currently in a position where they have a talented roster but lack the consistency and postseason success necessary to compete for a championship. The team has had one of the NFL’s top defenses, led by defensive stars like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs. On offense, Dak Prescott is a proven quarterback who can put up big numbers when given the right supporting cast. Meanwhile, emerging stars like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard provide significant upside.

However, the Cowboys have repeatedly struggled to get over the hump in the playoffs, and many feel the team needs a fresh approach. The loss of Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator who was an integral part of the Cowboys’ offensive growth, was one of the more notable changes in 2024. While Mike McCarthy assumed a more direct role in calling plays, questions about the offense’s lack of consistency continued to linger.

Given the talented roster, Jerry Jones understands the urgency of bringing in a coach who can maximize this group’s potential. With a franchise quarterback in Prescott and a dynamic defense led by Parsons, the Cowboys are still in the window to contend. However, the window is closing fast, and Jones is aware that if they don’t make a move soon, they could miss out on another opportunity.

The ultimate decision Jones has to make is whether to stick with McCarthy and risk another year of mediocrity, or bring in a new coach who can ignite the team and lead them to the promised land. This isn’t a decision Jones takes lightly, given the weight of the Cowboys’ legacy and his desire to finally win a Super Bowl.

Candidates to Replace McCarthy

As Jones continues his search for a new head coach, there are several high-profile candidates who are believed to be in the mix. Each of these coaches brings a different style and philosophy, but all share a common goal: to elevate the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl contention.

1. Sean Payton

Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is one of the most intriguing names in the search. Payton, who won a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2009 and consistently made the playoffs during his tenure, is regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football. His experience in managing a team with a franchise quarterback—Drew Brees—and his ability to create innovative offenses would make him a natural fit for the Cowboys. The question surrounding Payton’s potential move to Dallas, however, is whether Jones is willing to pay the price for a coach with such a high-profile résumé.

2. Dan Quinn

Another name that has emerged as a serious contender is Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator. Quinn has served as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017. Since joining the Cowboys as defensive coordinator, Quinn has helped turn their defense into one of the NFL’s most formidable units. He has a strong connection to the players, and his ability to inspire and get the most out of his squad makes him a logical candidate for the head coaching role. If Jones is looking for continuity and stability, Quinn could be the perfect choice, though questions remain about his offensive acumen and whether he can assemble the right staff to elevate the Cowboys’ offense.

3. Brian Schottenheimer

Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, is another name that has been linked to the head coaching job. Schottenheimer has a long history of working with NFL offenses, both as a coordinator and as a quarterbacks coach. His experience working with quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson gives him the credibility needed to take on a bigger role. Schottenheimer has an established relationship with Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense, which could help him hit the ground running as a potential head coach. However, his candidacy remains uncertain, and the fact that he has yet to prove himself as a head coach means he may be a less risky choice than some of the more experienced names on the list.

4. Pete Carroll

Though less likely, Pete Carroll’s name has also been floated as a potential candidate. Carroll, the long-time head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013. While Carroll has experienced success at the NFL level, his age (he will be 74 years old by the start of the 2025 season) makes him a more long-term question mark. However, his leadership and track record of success make him an interesting candidate should Jones choose to pursue him. Given his success with defense, Carroll could be a potential fit to take the Cowboys’ defense to the next level, while bringing in a fresh perspective on offense.

The Uncertainty of the Search

Despite all the talk surrounding potential head coaching candidates, Jerry Jones continues to stress that the process is far from over. Many of the reports that have circulated about McCarthy’s status have been based on speculation, and Jones has refused to confirm or deny the future of his head coach. This uncertainty reflects the complexity of the situation. The Cowboys are one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL, and Jones must make a choice that not only satisfies his desire for a Super Bowl but also maintains the team’s championship window. The decision will have major implications for the Cowboys’ future, and Jones knows that he cannot afford to make a rushed or ill-informed decision.

In the end, the Cowboys’ hunt for a head coach is a process that could take weeks, if not months. The right candidate must possess the experience, leadership, and football knowledge to help the Cowboys get back to the Super Bowl and end their decades-long championship drought. For now, Jerry Jones is taking his time, and despite