Who Are the 5 Best Fits to Be the Next Dallas Cowboys Head Coach?
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with a tradition of success that spans decades. However, despite having one of the most passionate fan bases and some of the best talent in the league, the Cowboys have struggled to break through in recent years. With several seasons under their belts without making a deep playoff run or securing a Super Bowl championship, the question of whether a change is necessary at the top has become a recurring topic of discussion. As the Cowboys continue to search for ways to return to championship contention, the position of head coach remains a pivotal part of the equation.
The current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is Mike McCarthy, who took over in 2020 after the firing of Jason Garrett. While McCarthy has had some success, including two playoff appearances and a division title in 2021, his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and an inability to push the team past the divisional round of the playoffs. McCarthy’s coaching style and decision-making have come under scrutiny, especially after a series of disappointing playoff exits. As a result, speculation about potential coaching changes in Dallas is running high.
So, who are the top candidates to become the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys? In this article, we will examine five potential candidates who could be a great fit for the Cowboys, considering their experience, coaching styles, and ability to manage a high-profile franchise.
1. Sean Payton
Why He’s a Fit:
If the Dallas Cowboys decide to move on from Mike McCarthy, Sean Payton is likely the first name on the list of potential replacements. Payton, who spent 15 years as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and consistently kept the team competitive with his innovative offense, even without top-tier quarterback play for stretches of his tenure.
Payton’s experience coaching a high-profile franchise makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys. He’s well-versed in managing star players and personalities, which is critical in Dallas, where media attention and fan expectations can be overwhelming. Payton has already proven that he can succeed in a high-pressure environment, and his ability to develop quarterbacks and call offensive plays could be the key to unlocking the potential of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense.
Additionally, Payton’s leadership style emphasizes discipline, organization, and a strong work ethic—qualities that have been lacking in recent years in Dallas. He has a reputation for being a no-nonsense coach who holds his players accountable, and his presence could help turn around a Cowboys team that has often been criticized for underperforming in big moments.
Why He May Not Be a Fit:
One potential concern with Payton is his history of control over personnel decisions. In New Orleans, Payton had significant influence over the roster and the direction of the team. If the Cowboys hire Payton, they would need to ensure that he and general manager Jerry Jones can work together seamlessly. Jones has a reputation for being heavily involved in team decisions, and a power struggle could arise if Payton seeks full control over the roster.
Still, Payton’s proven track record and ability to handle big moments make him an ideal candidate to take over the reins of the Cowboys.
2. Dan Quinn
Why He’s a Fit:
Currently serving as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn has been one of the key figures in Dallas’ recent resurgence. Since joining the team in 2021, Quinn has transformed the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s most aggressive and opportunistic units. Under his leadership, the Cowboys’ defense has excelled in creating turnovers, rushing the passer, and playing physical football. Quinn’s success as a defensive coordinator makes him a strong candidate for a head coaching job, especially given how much attention has been placed on the Cowboys’ defense in recent years.
Quinn’s experience as a former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons also makes him a viable candidate. During his tenure with the Falcons, Quinn led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016, and he oversaw several successful seasons in Atlanta before the team’s performance dipped. While his time with the Falcons ended after a string of disappointing seasons, Quinn’s leadership during Atlanta’s Super Bowl run remains a point of pride.
Quinn has built a reputation as a fiery, energetic coach who knows how to motivate his players and get the best out of them. His ability to inspire his defensive players has been evident in Dallas, and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster would make a transition to the head coaching role smoother than bringing in an outsider.
Why He May Not Be a Fit:
One potential issue with promoting Quinn to head coach is his lack of experience on the offensive side of the ball. While Quinn’s defensive prowess is undeniable, the Cowboys are built around their offense, especially with Dak Prescott at quarterback. If Quinn were to become the head coach, the Cowboys would need to find an offensive coordinator who could work with him to build a more dynamic offense. Given that Quinn’s background is in defense, there’s a chance the Cowboys’ offense could suffer if they don’t have a strong offensive-minded leader.
Still, Quinn’s track record with the Cowboys’ defense and his experience as a head coach make him a solid candidate to take over as the team’s next head coach.
3. Mike Tomlin
Why He’s a Fit:
Although unlikely, Mike Tomlin would be an ideal fit for the Cowboys due to his proven ability to succeed in a high-pressure environment. Tomlin, who has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007, is one of the most respected and successful coaches in the NFL. His ability to manage egos, build strong teams, and maintain consistency has made him one of the league’s most successful coaches. Over the course of his career, Tomlin has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one, and has posted a winning record in every season since taking over as head coach.
Tomlin’s leadership style is based on discipline, accountability, and respect. He’s known for getting the best out of his players, regardless of the circumstances, and his ability to maintain team unity in a media frenzy is something that would be invaluable in Dallas. Tomlin has also shown an ability to develop quarterbacks and build strong, balanced teams. While his tenure in Pittsburgh has been marked by a few down years, his overall success and leadership abilities make him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys.
Why He May Not Be a Fit:
The biggest obstacle to Tomlin becoming the Cowboys’ head coach is that he is currently under contract with the Steelers, and there is no indication that he wants to leave Pittsburgh. Tomlin has built a strong culture in Pittsburgh and is highly respected by both players and the organization. While it’s always possible that a team like the Cowboys could approach the Steelers with a trade offer, it seems unlikely that Tomlin would leave the stability of Pittsburgh for a high-pressure job in Dallas.
Even if Tomlin were available, it’s unclear whether Jerry Jones would be willing to part with the level of control he has over the Cowboys’ roster and decisions. Tomlin’s leadership style and approach to management may not align with Jones’ strong influence over team decisions, making this a long shot.
4. Deion Sanders
Why He’s a Fit:
While it may seem like a long shot, Deion Sanders has been a name thrown around as a potential future head coach in the NFL. Currently the head coach at Colorado, Sanders has garnered significant attention for his ability to recruit top talent, motivate players, and transform programs. His energy, charisma, and leadership style have made him one of the most captivating coaches in college football, and his name has come up in discussions about the NFL due to his success as both a player and a coach.
As a former NFL legend, Sanders has the respect of both players and coaches, and his confidence and bold personality would fit well in the high-profile environment of Dallas. Sanders’ focus on discipline, accountability, and playing with swagger could resonate with the Cowboys’ roster, particularly given the team’s history of being a high-profile franchise.
Why He May Not Be a Fit:
One of the biggest concerns with Sanders becoming the Cowboys’ head coach is his lack of experience in the NFL coaching ranks. While Sanders has been highly successful in college, coaching at the highest level of the NFL requires a different set of skills and experience. The Cowboys would need to evaluate whether Sanders has the ability to handle the demands of coaching in the NFL, especially with a team as high-profile as the Cowboys.
Additionally, it’s unclear whether Jerry Jones would be willing to hand over control of the Cowboys to a coach with limited NFL coaching experience. Sanders has the potential to succeed, but his lack of familiarity with the NFL landscape might be a significant hurdle.
5. Kellen Moore
Why He’s a Fit:
If the Cowboys want to promote from within, Kellen Moore is an intriguing option. Moore, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, has an in-depth understanding of the Cowboys’ offensive system and would be able to step into the role of head coach with minimal transition time. Moore has been lauded for his offensive creativity and his ability to develop quarterbacks, particularly Dak Prescott. His understanding of the Cowboys’ offensive personnel and his ability to run a fast-paced, high-scoring offense makes him an ideal candidate for the job.
Why He May Not Be a Fit:
One potential concern with Moore is his relative lack of experience. Although he was an offensive coordinator, he has not yet served as a head coach at any level, and the pressures of managing an NFL team may be overwhelming for him at this stage in his career. Nonetheless, Moore’s understanding of the Cowboys’ system and his innovative offensive mindset could make him an attractive option for the franchise.
Conclusion
The future of the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching position is uncertain, but there are several strong candidates who could take the reins and lead the team back to glory. Sean Payton, Dan Quinn, Mike Tomlin, Deion Sanders, and Kellen Moore all bring different strengths and experiences to the table. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what Jerry Jones values most in his next head coach — whether that’s experience, offensive innovation, or the ability to inspire and motivate players. Regardless of who is chosen, the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys will face the challenge of bringing a championship to one of the NFL’s most high-profile teams.
