Cowboys coordinators are still considering their options.

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have long been the subject of high expectations. With a rich tradition, passionate fanbase, and a roster packed with talent, the Cowboys are always under scrutiny, especially when it comes to their coaching staff. In 2025, the team finds itself at a crossroads, as the current coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, faces increasing pressure following another early playoff exit.

One area where the team may undergo significant change is in its coordinator positions. Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator, and Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator, have both been instrumental in shaping the Cowboys’ identity in recent seasons. However, with both coordinators being considered for head coaching positions elsewhere and rumors swirling about potential changes, the Cowboys’ future looks uncertain.

As the offseason progresses, Cowboys coordinators are still considering their options, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. The decision regarding their futures, as well as any potential changes to the coaching staff, could ultimately shape the Cowboys’ trajectory for the 2025 season and beyond.

Kellen Moore: The Offensive Coordinator With Head Coach Aspirations

Kellen Moore, the 35-year-old offensive coordinator of the Cowboys, has emerged as one of the most talked-about names in coaching circles in recent years. After taking over as the offensive coordinator in 2019, Moore was given the keys to a talented offense that featured star players such as Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper. Moore’s early years as a coordinator were marked by impressive offensive output, including a top-five ranking in total offense in 2020.

Under Moore’s guidance, the Cowboys offense quickly became known for its explosive, pass-heavy attack. However, as the seasons have gone on, Moore has faced increasing scrutiny for not consistently adapting to the team’s needs, especially in high-stakes situations. Despite regular-season success, Moore’s offenses have often faltered in the playoffs. This has led some to question whether he’s truly capable of leading the Cowboys to a championship.

Nevertheless, Moore’s potential as a future head coach has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the Los Angeles Chargers were one of the teams that expressed interest in bringing him in for a head coaching interview. He has long been regarded as a rising star in coaching, and his time as a coordinator in Dallas has given him a wealth of experience to build upon.

For Moore, the question is whether he wants to continue working under McCarthy, or if he sees a head coaching opportunity as the next logical step in his career. The Cowboys’ offensive struggles in key playoff moments may make it difficult for him to stay in Dallas if a head coaching opportunity arises elsewhere, especially if he feels that he has reached his ceiling as the offensive coordinator. That said, if Moore does stay in Dallas, he will need to find ways to adapt his system, especially when it comes to balancing the run and pass game, and prove he can make in-game adjustments when it matters most.

Dan Quinn: Defensive Mastermind With a Growing Reputation

On the other side of the ball, Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, has become one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. Quinn joined the Cowboys in 2021 after a successful run as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. While his time in Atlanta was ultimately a mixed bag, Quinn’s reputation as a defensive coordinator took off during his years with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was instrumental in building the “Legion of Boom,” one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.

Since arriving in Dallas, Quinn has transformed the Cowboys’ defense, making it one of the most aggressive and opportunistic units in the league. His defensive schemes, which often emphasize creating turnovers and pressuring the quarterback, have fit perfectly with the team’s personnel, particularly with the rise of Micah Parsons as one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Quinn’s impact on the Cowboys’ defense cannot be overstated. In 2024, the Cowboys had one of the top defenses in the league, ranking near the top in multiple categories, including sacks, interceptions, and overall efficiency. His ability to get the best out of players like Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence has made him one of the most sought-after defensive minds in the NFL.

However, Quinn’s name has also appeared in coaching rumors, with multiple teams reportedly considering him for head coaching positions. The Denver Broncos, in particular, have been linked to Quinn in 2025, as they look to rebound from a period of instability at the head coach position. With his experience as a former head coach and his ability to develop a defense, Quinn’s name will continue to pop up in head coaching discussions.

For Quinn, staying with the Cowboys could be an attractive option if he continues to have success with the defense and feels that the team is on the verge of breaking through. However, given the fact that he’s already been a head coach, the allure of leading his own team may eventually become too strong to ignore. If he decides to leave, the Cowboys will face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to continue the defensive dominance that Quinn has helped cultivate.

The Cowboys’ Dilemma: Coordinators Considering Their Futures

The Cowboys find themselves in an interesting situation, as both Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn are highly respected coordinators with head coaching aspirations. While the team has made strides under both coaches, their futures with the franchise are not guaranteed, especially if head coaching opportunities become available.

Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Cowboys, is also under scrutiny. Although he has led the team to playoff appearances in both 2021 and 2022, his inability to get the Cowboys past the divisional round — and his tendency to make questionable in-game decisions — has fueled speculation that a change could be on the horizon. If McCarthy were to depart or if the Cowboys fail to meet expectations in 2025, both Moore and Quinn would likely be in high demand for head coaching roles.

This creates an interesting dilemma for the Cowboys’ front office. If McCarthy is let go, would the Cowboys elevate Moore or Quinn to the head coaching position, or would they look elsewhere for a new leader? Promoting one of their current coordinators would ensure continuity and a smooth transition, but it would also bring inherent risks, as neither Moore nor Quinn has proven himself as a championship-winning head coach.

At the same time, the Cowboys would need to consider the long-term stability of the coaching staff. Keeping both Moore and Quinn happy and engaged could be challenging if their career aspirations as head coaches are not fully realized. If either coordinator feels that their chances at a head coaching job are limited in Dallas, they may choose to leave for a team that offers a better opportunity.

What’s Next for the Cowboys? The Coaching Search and Beyond

The Cowboys’ coaching situation will likely evolve throughout the 2025 offseason. With the team’s roster in a relatively strong position, the next head coach will need to be someone who can take them to the next level — whether that’s someone from within the current coaching staff or an external candidate.

If McCarthy’s tenure continues, the team will likely keep both Moore and Quinn, as long as they can find a way to retain them. Both coordinators are crucial to the team’s success, and ensuring that they remain with the Cowboys is a priority. However, if McCarthy is let go, the Cowboys could look internally for a solution, with Moore or Quinn potentially taking over as head coach. In that case, it will be important for the front office to weigh the pros and cons of such a transition and whether a fresh perspective would be beneficial.

If the Cowboys do decide to bring in an external candidate for head coach, names like Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, or even Eric Bieniemy could come into play. Payton, in particular, has been linked to coaching vacancies across the NFL and could be an ideal candidate if the Cowboys want to revamp their offensive philosophy and add a Super Bowl-winning coach to the fold.