6 Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Candidates to Replace Mike McCarthy
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied and iconic franchises, are once again at a crossroads in terms of leadership. After five seasons under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys find themselves searching for a new direction. McCarthy’s tenure, while marked by some success, has ultimately been marred by a series of disappointing playoff performances, leaving fans and analysts wondering if a change at the top is necessary.
Despite the team’s talent, McCarthy’s inability to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl has raised questions about his future in Dallas. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, speculation is growing about who could step in and take the reins of the Cowboys. Given the high expectations that come with being the head coach of America’s Team, the next head coach will need to be someone who can manage the pressures of Dallas’ passionate fan base while also maximizing the talent on the roster to compete for championships.
In this article, we’ll explore six potential candidates to replace Mike McCarthy and lead the Cowboys into a new era of football success. These candidates span a variety of backgrounds, from seasoned NFL veterans to emerging coaching stars, each with their own strengths and qualifications.
1. Dan Quinn (Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator)
Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator, is widely considered one of the top internal candidates to replace Mike McCarthy. Quinn has been instrumental in transforming the Cowboys’ defense into one of the NFL’s most formidable units. Since joining the Cowboys in 2021, Quinn has overseen the development of players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence, turning Dallas into a team that can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers. Under Quinn’s guidance, the Cowboys’ defense has been one of the best in the league in terms of sacks and takeaways.
Quinn’s experience as a head coach is another factor that makes him an attractive candidate. He was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020 and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl LI. While his tenure in Atlanta ended on a sour note with the Falcons’ failure to perform up to expectations, Quinn demonstrated his ability to manage a team, oversee both sides of the ball, and lead a group of talented players. His work as a defensive coordinator in Dallas has only enhanced his reputation, making him a prime candidate to step into the head coaching role.
Quinn is well-respected by players, and his defensive-minded approach could help the Cowboys build a more balanced team, focusing on both offense and defense to compete for championships. Given the talent on the Cowboys’ defense and Quinn’s familiarity with the team’s culture and personnel, he could be a smooth transition from McCarthy and could lead the team back into Super Bowl contention.
2. Sean Payton (Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach)
Sean Payton, one of the most successful head coaches of the past two decades, is another prominent candidate who would undoubtedly be a top choice to replace Mike McCarthy. Payton, who coached the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, has a Super Bowl title to his name (Super Bowl XLIV), and his offensive prowess has made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL coaching ranks.
During his 15 seasons with the Saints, Payton consistently fielded one of the league’s top offenses, primarily led by Drew Brees at quarterback. His ability to adapt his offensive system to the strengths of his personnel has been a hallmark of his coaching career, and his reputation for innovative play calling is second to none. Payton’s approach to the game focuses on quick decision-making, aggressive play calling, and a no-nonsense attitude that could resonate with the Cowboys’ locker room.
What makes Payton such an appealing candidate for the Cowboys is his experience in both winning Super Bowls and managing high-pressure situations. After stepping down from the Saints in 2021, Payton took some time away from coaching but has since become one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL. Given the Cowboys’ talent on offense with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, Payton could be the perfect coach to unlock the full potential of this offensive unit and lead them back to the Super Bowl.
Payton’s leadership and track record of success make him one of the most high-profile candidates on the market, and the Cowboys would be wise to consider him as their next head coach.
3. Kellen Moore (Former Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator)
Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, has been a rising star in the coaching ranks and could be an intriguing candidate to return to Dallas as the head coach. Moore was with the Cowboys as an offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, and his innovative approach to the game helped elevate the team’s offense, particularly during the 2021 season when the Cowboys boasted one of the top offenses in the league.
During his tenure, Moore helped develop Dak Prescott into one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL and maximized the potential of a talented group of offensive playmakers. Moore’s ability to design an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense made him a hot name in coaching circles, and after his departure from the Cowboys in 2023, he took over as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. In his first year with the Chargers, Moore has continued to display a knack for creating dynamic, explosive offenses.
While Moore is still relatively young, his experience as a coordinator at the NFL level and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ system make him a strong candidate to step into the head coaching role. As a former quarterback, Moore understands the intricacies of the position and how to get the best out of Prescott. His familiarity with the team’s personnel could allow him to quickly make an impact and potentially build on the progress that McCarthy has made in recent years.
Moore’s ability to develop young talent and innovate on the offensive side of the ball makes him a compelling option, especially if the Cowboys feel that their offensive potential has not been fully realized under McCarthy.
4. Deion Sanders (University of Colorado Head Coach)
Deion Sanders, also known as “Prime Time,” has quickly become one of the most talked-about coaches in college football. After a successful stint as the head coach of Jackson State University, Sanders took over the University of Colorado Buffaloes in 2023, where he turned the program around almost overnight. Known for his charisma, leadership, and unique coaching style, Sanders has brought immediate success to Colorado, and his star power has only continued to grow.
While Sanders has limited experience at the professional level, his success in college football, particularly in terms of recruiting, player development, and motivating young athletes, has made him an intriguing figure in the coaching world. Sanders is known for his ability to inspire players, hold them accountable, and get the best out of their potential. His “players’ coach” mentality could be an asset to the Cowboys, especially as they look to build a more unified and consistent team culture.
What makes Sanders a particularly interesting candidate for the Cowboys is his ability to relate to players, especially younger ones, and his penchant for turning programs around. His bold and confident approach would resonate well in Dallas, and his potential to bring a new energy to the locker room could be exactly what the Cowboys need.
While Sanders’ transition from college to the NFL would be a significant leap, his magnetic personality and growing coaching acumen make him an intriguing candidate to watch.
5. Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator)
Eric Bieniemy, the current offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is another strong candidate who has been rumored to be in the mix for NFL head coaching positions for several years. Bieniemy spent a significant portion of his career as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, working under Andy Reid and helping develop one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. Under Bieniemy’s guidance, the Chiefs won multiple AFC championships and made it to the Super Bowl twice, winning Super Bowl LIV.
Bieniemy’s reputation as an innovative offensive mind and his ability to work with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes make him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys. His work with the Chiefs’ high-flying offense, which was consistently among the best in the league, shows that he has the ability to get the most out of offensive playmakers and to craft a high-scoring, efficient system.
In Washington, Bieniemy has continued to demonstrate his ability to develop young quarterbacks and lead an offense. His familiarity with creating high-powered offenses, coupled with his experience in big-game situations, could make him a great fit for the Cowboys as they look to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl.
Bieniemy’s coaching experience, particularly his track record with the Chiefs, makes him one of the top candidates for head coaching vacancies, and he would bring a fresh offensive approach to Dallas.
6. Jim Harbaugh (University of Michigan Head Coach)
Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines, is a name that has frequently come up in NFL coaching rumors, and for good reason. Harbaugh has had tremendous success in college football, including leading Michigan to back-to-back Big Ten championships and a playoff berth in 2023. His coaching pedigree, combined with his success at the collegiate level, makes him a candidate to consider for an NFL job.
Harbaugh previously served as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, where he enjoyed success, including a Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XLVII. His time with the 49ers demonstrated his ability to build a strong, competitive team and develop quarterbacks, including Colin Kaepernick, who had a breakout season under Harbaugh’s tutelage.
Known for his intense, no-nonsense style, Harbaugh is a coach who commands respect and has the ability to bring out the best in his players. While he has been primarily focused on college football in recent years, Harbaugh’s previous success in the NFL and his ability to lead teams to big-game performances make him an intriguing option for the Cowboys.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal moment in their history, and the decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy could be the beginning of a new era. The team has a talented roster, and with the right leader at the helm, they could return to Super Bowl contention. Whether the Cowboys opt for an internal candidate like Dan Quinn or Kellen Moore, or look outside for a big name like Sean Payton, Deion Sanders, or Jim Harbaugh, the next head coach will have the chance to shape the future of the franchise.
Whoever the Cowboys hire will need to be someone who can handle the pressures of Dallas, manage a talented but sometimes volatile roster, and ultimately guide the team to its first Super Bowl victory in nearly three decades. The stakes are high, but with the right leadership, the Cowboys can once again become a force in the NFL.
