The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, boasting a rich tradition of success and a fanbase that’s both passionate and deeply invested in the team’s fortunes. However, despite their historical accomplishments, the Cowboys have experienced several ups and downs in recent years. As of the 2025 NFL season, the possibility of coaching changes looms large, especially after a string of playoff disappointments and an ever-growing sense of impatience within the organization and its fanbase.
While the Cowboys have had some solid regular-season performances under head coach Mike McCarthy, there’s no denying that the team’s playoff struggles have caused frustration to mount. The team has been unable to make a deep postseason run, let alone secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since 1995. With this in mind, it’s important to examine whether coaching changes are on the horizon for the Cowboys in 2025.
The Status of Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy took over as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 after the departure of longtime coach Jason Garrett. His arrival marked a new era for the franchise, and many hoped his experience—particularly his Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers—would translate into success for a team with a high ceiling. McCarthy’s first two seasons were marked by a mix of highs and lows.
The 2020 season was a challenge for McCarthy and the Cowboys, who suffered numerous injuries to key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott. Despite these setbacks, McCarthy’s Cowboys managed to finish with a 6-10 record, which didn’t inspire much confidence in his ability to lead the team in the long term. However, the 2021 season saw improvements, with the Cowboys winning the NFC East and earning a playoff berth. Although their season ended disappointingly with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, many felt optimistic about McCarthy’s leadership heading into 2022.
In 2022, McCarthy’s Cowboys returned to the playoffs again, but the team’s inability to make a deeper postseason run created a sense of déjà vu. Dallas fell short of its Super Bowl aspirations once more, losing to the rival 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. Despite strong performances throughout the regular season, including Dak Prescott’s strong play and the defense’s resurgence under coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys appeared to plateau under McCarthy’s leadership when it mattered most.
The 2023 and 2024 seasons have been more of the same. McCarthy and the Cowboys have remained competitive in the regular season but have failed to advance past the NFC Championship Game or reach the Super Bowl. For some, this has raised questions about McCarthy’s ability to lead the team to a championship, especially given his previous tenure in Green Bay, where he won a Super Bowl but was also criticized for failing to get the most out of a talented roster in the latter part of his tenure.
Despite McCarthy’s experience and leadership qualities, his playoff track record with the Cowboys has drawn scrutiny. Team owner Jerry Jones, who is known for his hands-on approach and willingness to make bold decisions, may ultimately decide that a change is necessary to take the team over the top.
The Potential of Dan Quinn
One of the most intriguing developments for the Cowboys’ coaching staff has been the performance of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Hired in 2021, Quinn quickly became a favorite among Cowboys fans and players alike. His defensive schemes helped turn around a unit that had been mediocre for years, and his leadership has made a noticeable impact on the team’s ability to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
In 2023, the Cowboys’ defense was one of the league’s best, anchored by standout players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Quinn’s unit kept the Cowboys competitive throughout the season, even when the offense struggled at times. This defensive resurgence earned Quinn praise for his ability to get the most out of his players and his knack for adapting his schemes to exploit opposing offenses’ weaknesses.
Quinn’s success as a defensive coordinator has naturally led to speculation about his future as a head coach. He previously held the top job with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to Super Bowl LI before ultimately being fired after a string of disappointing seasons. Since arriving in Dallas, however, Quinn has re-established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds. It’s possible that in 2025, Jerry Jones may consider Quinn as a potential head coaching candidate, particularly if McCarthy’s status continues to be uncertain or if the Cowboys’ playoff struggles persist.
As a head coach candidate, Quinn brings a combination of experience, defensive acumen, and a leadership style that resonates with players. His ability to turn around Dallas’ defense has earned him significant praise, and if the Cowboys’ offense struggles in the coming seasons, there may be a push to promote Quinn to head coach.
The Pressure on Jerry Jones
While the coaching staff will undoubtedly face scrutiny, the man who ultimately holds the most power in this situation is team owner Jerry Jones. Since purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jones has made no secret of his desire to bring another Super Bowl championship to Dallas. His aggressive, hands-on approach to team management has made him both revered and criticized in the NFL world. Jones is not one to shy away from making bold decisions, and he’s shown a willingness to change coaches in the past when the team’s performance doesn’t meet expectations.
Jones’ frustration with the Cowboys’ inability to return to the Super Bowl is palpable. Over the past several seasons, the team has had the talent to contend for a championship, but they’ve been consistently undone by poor playoff performances, inconsistent coaching, and unfulfilled expectations. This has created an environment where change is always in the air. If the Cowboys suffer another early playoff exit in 2025, there will likely be intense pressure on Jones to make another coaching change.
Jones has always shown a level of loyalty to his coaches, but he’s also shown an ability to pull the trigger when necessary. The firing of Jason Garrett after nearly a decade with the team in 2019 was a clear indication that Jones is not afraid to make bold decisions if he feels the team is not meeting its potential. The same could happen with McCarthy if the Cowboys fail to live up to expectations in 2025.
The Role of Dak Prescott
One factor that may influence any coaching changes is the performance of quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott has been the face of the Cowboys’ offense since he took over as the starter in 2016, but he has also faced criticism for his inability to consistently deliver in big moments. While Prescott is undoubtedly talented and has put up strong regular-season numbers, his playoff performances have often fallen short of expectations.
If Prescott struggles again in the postseason or is unable to elevate his game to the next level, there may be increased pressure on the coaching staff to make adjustments. Whether it’s adjusting the offensive scheme, finding a new offensive coordinator, or even making a change at the top, the Cowboys’ quarterback situation will play a major role in determining the future of the coaching staff.
The Possibility of Change in 2025
Given the circumstances surrounding the Cowboys’ recent playoff exits and the overall sense of urgency in Dallas, it’s very possible that coaching changes could be coming in 2025. McCarthy’s tenure, despite some successes, could ultimately be evaluated through the lens of the team’s inability to advance past the NFC Championship Game or secure a Super Bowl appearance. If McCarthy is unable to push the Cowboys over the hump, the team might look to make a change, with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn emerging as a potential replacement.
Jerry Jones’ willingness to make drastic moves, combined with the growing impatience of the fanbase, makes it clear that the pressure will be on the Cowboys’ coaching staff in 2025. McCarthy, Quinn, and the rest of the staff will likely have to perform at a high level to keep their jobs. The Cowboys’ postseason success, or lack thereof, will be the ultimate determining factor in whether coaching changes occur.
In the end, the Dallas Cowboys are in a position where the next coaching decision could define the future of the franchise for years to come. With a talented roster and championship aspirations, the pressure to make the right move is immense. The 2025 season will likely be a defining moment for the Cowboys, and coaching changes may be just one piece of the puzzle in their quest for the Super Bowl.
