Who will succeed Mike McCarthy as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys, a team with one of the richest histories in the NFL, are no strangers to high expectations. With an immense fan base, a storied legacy, and a relentless pursuit of the Super Bowl, the Cowboys find themselves in a position where success is expected year in and year out. For over two decades, the franchise has been under the leadership of a revolving door of head coaches. However, Mike McCarthy, the current head coach, has faced increasing pressure as the team has struggled to break through in the postseason.

Since taking over as the head coach in 2020, McCarthy has been tasked with returning the Cowboys to their Super Bowl-contending ways. While he has enjoyed relative success in the regular season, including playoff berths, his tenure has been marked by frustration, especially when the team fails to advance deep into the playoffs. As a result, there has been increasing speculation about McCarthy’s future and the possibility that the Cowboys may look for a new head coach in the near future.

The question on many Cowboys fans’ minds is: Who will succeed Mike McCarthy as head coach? While McCarthy’s job security might not be entirely in jeopardy as of now, the continued playoff disappointments — combined with Jerry Jones’ reputation for making bold moves — could set the stage for a coaching change.

Mike McCarthy’s Record and Status with the Cowboys

Before diving into potential replacements, it’s important to reflect on McCarthy’s time with the Cowboys. Hired in 2020 after a highly successful, but ultimately controversial, tenure with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy inherited a talented roster led by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott. However, McCarthy’s Cowboys have yet to replicate the success he achieved with Green Bay, where he won a Super Bowl and developed one of the most potent offenses in NFL history.

In his first season, McCarthy inherited a team in disarray due to a major injury to Prescott, leading to an underwhelming 6-10 record. The 2021 season saw improvements, with the Cowboys finishing at 12-5, winning the NFC East, and securing a playoff spot. However, they were promptly eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round, and McCarthy faced criticism for poor in-game decision-making and a lack of adjustments.

The 2022 season continued this trend of regular-season success with a 12-5 record and another playoff appearance, but the Cowboys were again sent home early, this time at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. Many fans and analysts began to question McCarthy’s leadership and ability to elevate the Cowboys in big moments.

Although McCarthy’s overall record is solid, the Cowboys’ inability to break through to the NFC Championship game or Super Bowl has created a sense of urgency around the franchise. Given Jerry Jones’ history of being decisive in personnel decisions — particularly when it comes to coaches — it wouldn’t be surprising if McCarthy’s job security comes into question again if the team doesn’t meet expectations in 2025.

Why a Change Might Be Needed

The Dallas Cowboys are often described as a team that “lives and dies” by the success or failure of its quarterback, Dak Prescott. While Prescott has certainly shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, his performance in the playoffs has often been criticized, with some attributing those shortcomings to coaching decisions or lack of adjustments. McCarthy’s offense has been known to be somewhat predictable at times, and his inability to out-coach opponents in key playoff games has raised questions about his future with the team.

Another issue that has plagued McCarthy’s tenure is his inability to generate sustained success in the postseason. Since the Cowboys’ last Super Bowl appearance in 1995, the team has consistently underperformed in the playoffs, despite boasting talented rosters. The Cowboys have consistently fallen short, and McCarthy’s failure to deliver a deep playoff run — despite having talented players like Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb — is a significant concern for the organization.

If the Cowboys underperform again in 2025 or fail to win a playoff game, the heat on McCarthy’s seat will intensify. In that case, the team would likely look for someone who can provide the offensive ingenuity, leadership, and playoff success that the Cowboys desperately need to reclaim their place at the top of the NFL.

Potential Candidates to Succeed Mike McCarthy

While no one knows for certain who will take over for McCarthy, several names have emerged as potential successors based on their previous coaching experience, reputation, and fit within the Cowboys’ culture.

1. Kellen Moore (Current Offensive Coordinator)

One of the most natural candidates to succeed McCarthy is Kellen Moore, the current offensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Moore has been the offensive mind behind much of the Cowboys’ success in recent years, and many believe he could be the next head coach in waiting.

Moore, who played quarterback for the Cowboys from 2012 to 2017, took over as offensive coordinator in 2019 and has seen his stock rise as the team’s offense has flourished under his guidance. His ability to get the best out of Dak Prescott and create a high-scoring offense has been a highlight of his tenure. Moore’s offense has been recognized for its balance, creativity, and ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

However, there are also questions about Moore’s readiness to step into the role of head coach. He’s still relatively young at 35 years old and lacks head coaching experience. The Cowboys would need to make sure that Moore can handle the responsibility of managing a full team and being the face of the franchise before giving him full control. If McCarthy is let go, Moore could be promoted as the next head coach — especially if the Cowboys’ offense continues to show significant progress in the coming seasons.

2. Dan Quinn (Current Defensive Coordinator)

Another strong candidate within the Cowboys’ own ranks is Dan Quinn, the team’s current defensive coordinator. Quinn, who previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has been instrumental in transforming the Cowboys’ defense into one of the most feared units in the NFL. Under Quinn, the Cowboys’ defense has made great strides, with star players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence playing at an elite level.

Quinn’s ability to develop defensive talent and create a disruptive, opportunistic defense could be exactly what the Cowboys need to build a championship-caliber team. His previous head coaching experience with the Falcons, including a Super Bowl appearance, gives him the necessary qualifications to step into a head coaching role. Quinn is also known for his leadership, motivational skills, and ability to keep a locker room engaged and focused.

That said, there are concerns about whether Quinn, who specializes in defense, could bring the same offensive success that McCarthy’s teams have struggled to achieve in recent seasons. His defensive background might make him a less natural fit for a head coach role, but his potential to build a balanced, strong team cannot be overlooked.

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

One of the more high-profile candidates who could make a return to the NFL as a head coach is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton, known for his offensive genius and Super Bowl victory with the Saints, has been out of coaching since 2021. However, rumors have circulated that he could be interested in returning to the NFL, and the Cowboys could be a logical landing spot.

Payton brings a wealth of experience and an innovative offensive mind to the table. He helped develop Drew Brees into one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and his system is known for its creative play-calling, aggressive attacking style, and ability to adapt to the strengths of his players. If the Cowboys want to take their offense to the next level and potentially win a Super Bowl, Payton’s leadership and offensive acumen could make him the perfect fit.

However, Payton’s past controversies, including his involvement in the Bountygate scandal, could complicate his potential return to a high-profile job like the Cowboys. Additionally, Payton’s personality — known to be demanding and sometimes difficult — could clash with the Cowboys’ organization, which has its own strong-willed figures in Jerry Jones and the team’s veteran players.

4. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Head Coach)

Another high-profile coaching candidate could be Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of Michigan. Harbaugh has long been regarded as one of the top football minds in the game, having achieved success both in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and in college with Michigan. Harbaugh has a reputation for developing tough, disciplined teams, and his leadership style could be a perfect fit for a Cowboys team that has often underperformed in high-pressure moments.

Harbaugh took the 49ers to a Super Bowl during his time in San Francisco, and his leadership helped revitalize a previously struggling franchise. His offensive and defensive schemes, along with his ability to develop young talent, make him an intriguing option for the Cowboys if they seek an experienced and established head coach to lead them into the future.

However, Harbaugh’s intensity and hard-nosed approach could either be a perfect fit for a team like the Cowboys, or it could lead to friction with certain players or the front office. There have also been rumors of Harbaugh’s desire to return to the NFL, but it would likely take a significant offer from the Cowboys for him to leave Michigan and come to Dallas.

5. Urban Meyer (Former NFL and College Coach)

Lastly, Urban Meyer, who has a wealth of experience as both a college football coach and NFL head coach, could be another candidate for the Cowboys. Meyer, who is most famous for his time at Florida and Ohio State, also had a brief and controversial stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021.

Meyer’s background in college football has been marked by his ability to build highly successful, disciplined teams. He is known for his coaching acumen, player development, and ability to recruit top talent. However, his NFL tenure was marred by a series of off-field issues and struggles within the locker room.

Despite his NFL failure, Meyer is a name that could generate interest from Jerry Jones, who has shown in the past that he is willing to take risks for the right coach. If Meyer can adjust his approach and build a strong coaching staff, he could be a candidate to succeed McCarthy in Dallas.