In their HC hunt, the Dallas Cowboys are anticipated to interview two of the best NFC assistants.
As the Dallas Cowboys continue their search for the next head coach following the departure of Mike McCarthy or the possibility of moving on from him after an underwhelming postseason, they are in the midst of a crucial decision that will impact the trajectory of their franchise. The Cowboys have been one of the most successful teams in terms of regular season wins in recent years but have struggled to capitalize on their regular-season success in the postseason. Therefore, the stakes are high in their pursuit of a head coach who can elevate the team to its potential and bring Dallas back to prominence.
In their search for a new head coach, the Cowboys are reportedly looking at a number of top candidates, including two NFC assistants who have garnered attention for their work in developing high-performing teams. These two individuals stand out for their leadership, ability to build dynamic teams, and skill in developing talent. While the Cowboys have yet to announce the exact timeline for the interview process or any final decisions, there’s a growing consensus that these two NFC assistants could be the future leaders of the Dallas Cowboys.
In this article, we’ll explore the details behind the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach, the two NFC assistants they are expected to interview, and why both candidates have emerged as strong contenders for one of the most coveted coaching positions in the NFL.
The Cowboys’ Coaching Search: A Critical Crossroads
The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. The franchise has won five Super Bowl titles, made countless playoff appearances, and produced some of the league’s most iconic players. However, in recent years, the Cowboys have found themselves stuck in a pattern of regular-season success but postseason disappointment. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, including franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, elite wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and a top-tier defense, the Cowboys have failed to live up to expectations when it matters most.
In 2024, the Cowboys’ season ended once again in the divisional round of the playoffs. Despite a strong showing during the regular season, their loss to the San Francisco 49ers exposed weaknesses in key areas, including offensive play calling, the decision-making of Prescott, and a lack of offensive balance. These postseason shortcomings have led to growing questions about head coach Mike McCarthy’s ability to guide the team to greater heights. Although McCarthy has had a solid tenure in Dallas, his inability to take the Cowboys deep into the playoffs or secure another Super Bowl appearance could be his undoing.
As a result, the Cowboys’ front office, led by team owner Jerry Jones, has launched an extensive coaching search to find someone who can maximize the potential of the team’s roster and take the Cowboys back to the pinnacle of the NFL. Given the high-profile nature of the job, the Cowboys are reportedly considering a diverse range of candidates, with an emphasis on assistant coaches from the NFC, where competition is fierce, and coaching talent has flourished.
The Two NFC Assistants Under Consideration
As the Cowboys look for the next leader of their franchise, two NFC assistant coaches have emerged as top candidates for the job. These assistants have earned praise for their work in helping to build strong teams, elevate players, and drive their respective organizations toward success. Let’s take a deeper look at these two NFC assistants and why they are drawing the attention of Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office.
1. DeMeco Ryans – Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers
One of the hottest names in NFL coaching circles right now is DeMeco Ryans, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Ryans has been instrumental in transforming the 49ers’ defense into one of the most feared units in the league. After serving as the team’s defensive coordinator for several years, Ryans has developed a reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks. His leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to get the most out of his players have made him one of the most coveted defensive minds in the NFL.
Ryans, a former NFL linebacker, brings a wealth of experience to his role, both as a player and as a coach. His time with the 49ers has been marked by a top-tier defense, built on aggressive play calling, solid fundamentals, and a relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. In 2024, Ryans’ 49ers defense ranked among the best in the league, consistently stifling high-powered offenses and providing San Francisco with the foundation for a deep playoff run. Ryans has also earned praise for developing players like Nick Bosa, who has become one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league under his tutelage.
What makes Ryans an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys is not just his defensive prowess, but his leadership and ability to inspire his players. His calm demeanor, combined with his aggressive approach to defense, has made him a respected figure in the NFL. Ryans has the ability to foster a culture of excellence, much like the one he helped build in San Francisco. His success with the 49ers suggests that he has the potential to replicate that success with the Cowboys, helping to elevate a defense that already features stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs.
Given the Cowboys’ defensive strength, pairing an experienced and proven defensive mind like Ryans with the offensive talent that Dallas has could make the Cowboys a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Ryans is known for developing young talent and building a disciplined, physical defense—qualities that the Cowboys are desperately looking for in their next head coach.
2. Brian Callahan – Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Another NFC assistant expected to get an interview with the Cowboys is Brian Callahan, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Callahan has quickly become one of the most respected offensive minds in the NFL, and his work in Detroit has earned him significant recognition. In his role with the Lions, Callahan has overseen one of the most potent offenses in the league, helping quarterback Jared Goff return to form and turning the Lions into a high-scoring machine.
Callahan’s success in Detroit is largely attributed to his ability to develop a dynamic and balanced offensive scheme. Under Callahan’s leadership, the Lions offense has featured an explosive passing attack combined with a highly effective ground game. His innovative play calling, coupled with his ability to adapt to opposing defenses, has made Detroit one of the most unpredictable offenses in the NFL. Callahan’s work with Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick who had struggled in recent years, has been particularly impressive. Goff enjoyed a career resurgence under Callahan’s tutelage, leading the Lions to one of the league’s top-ranked offenses.
The Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, has been effective but at times lacks the consistency and explosiveness needed to compete with the top teams in the NFC. Callahan could be the ideal candidate to unlock Prescott’s full potential and help him become even more efficient in key moments. His ability to develop a strong passing attack while keeping defenses honest with the run game could be exactly what the Cowboys need to take their offense to the next level.
What stands out about Callahan is his ability to coach quarterbacks and his experience in developing offensive systems that suit the strengths of his players. In addition to his work with Goff, Callahan has been a part of successful coaching staffs in the NFL, having previously worked as an assistant coach with the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders. His time with the Bengals, in particular, gave him a strong foundation in the development of quarterbacks and offensive schemes.
Why These Two Assistants Make Sense for the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ coaching search has led them to these two NFC assistants for several reasons:
- Experience in High-Stakes Environments: Both DeMeco Ryans and Brian Callahan have been part of teams that have consistently competed at a high level. Ryans has overseen one of the top defenses in the league with the 49ers, while Callahan has helped build one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL with the Lions. Their experience in high-pressure, high-stakes environments would be invaluable to the Cowboys as they look to take the next step.
- Complementary Strengths: The Cowboys have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL, with both an explosive offense and a top-tier defense. Ryans and Callahan each bring complementary strengths that could help the Cowboys unlock their full potential. Ryans could further solidify Dallas’ defense, while Callahan’s offensive expertise could help take Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense to new heights.
- Proven Track Records: Both candidates have proven themselves as capable leaders. Ryans has earned praise for his ability to develop players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, while Callahan has proven his ability to construct dynamic, efficient offenses. Their success in developing players and building strong units gives the Cowboys confidence that either candidate could bring immediate improvement.
- Fresh Perspectives: After several seasons with Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys could benefit from a fresh approach. Both Ryans and Callahan offer new perspectives that could help revitalize the team and lead them to sustained success.
