Mike McCarthy Could Be Replaced by These Six Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Candidates

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. With a history of success, high expectations, and a massive fanbase, the pressure on the team’s leadership is immense. In recent years, head coach Mike McCarthy has overseen a successful regular-season run with the Cowboys, but playoff success has continued to elude the team. The Cowboys have been perennial contenders but have struggled to make it deep into the postseason, leading some to question McCarthy’s ability to lead the team to its next championship.

In a franchise like the Cowboys, where expectations are sky-high, any sustained period without a Super Bowl appearance could result in changes at the coaching position. The possibility of Mike McCarthy being replaced is a topic that many fans and analysts are speculating about. While McCarthy’s tenure hasn’t been disastrous, the question remains: is it time for a new voice at the helm?

Should Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass decide to make a change, there are several qualified candidates who could step in and provide a fresh perspective and direction for the team. Here, we take a look at six potential candidates who could replace Mike McCarthy as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

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

Sean Payton is one of the most respected offensive minds in the NFL, and his success as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints cannot be overstated. Payton spent 15 seasons with the Saints, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and consistently fielding one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. He was known for his innovative play calling and his ability to develop quarterbacks, notably helping Drew Brees become a future Hall of Famer.

After stepping down from his position with the Saints following the 2021 season, Payton was immediately linked to head coaching vacancies. He has remained an attractive candidate for teams looking to find a proven winner with a strong offensive mindset. His expertise would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys, especially with a quarterback like Dak Prescott who has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to reach the pinnacle of his potential.

Payton’s ability to handle the pressures of being the head coach of a high-profile franchise like the Cowboys, his offensive prowess, and his experience in managing a locker room make him a top candidate to replace McCarthy if the Cowboys decide to go in a new direction.

2. Dan Quinn (Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator)

Dan Quinn is a name that Cowboys fans are likely very familiar with. As the team’s current defensive coordinator, Quinn has transformed the Cowboys’ defense into one of the best in the NFL, highlighted by standout players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. Quinn’s leadership on defense has helped elevate the team’s overall performance, and his ability to turn around a struggling defense was proven during his time as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017.

Quinn’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and organizational culture gives him an edge over many other candidates. While his tenure as the Falcons’ head coach ended on a sour note, Quinn’s success as a defensive coordinator has been undeniable. His leadership, passion for the game, and ability to motivate players make him a natural candidate to step into the head coach role.

Additionally, Quinn’s experience working as a head coach gives him a unique advantage over someone with only coordinator experience. He has already been through the process of building a team, dealing with pressure, and managing the ups and downs of a season. If the Cowboys feel that a defensive-minded head coach is the way to go, Quinn would be an ideal candidate.

3. Kellen Moore (Former Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator)

Kellen Moore was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, and during his tenure, the offense flourished, especially in terms of total yardage. Moore, a former quarterback for the Cowboys, was known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to maximize Dak Prescott’s strengths. Under his guidance, Prescott had some of the best seasons of his career, and the Cowboys were often one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

However, after a somewhat disappointing 2022 season, Moore was let go by the Cowboys, and he quickly found a new home as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite his departure from Dallas, Moore remains a viable candidate to return to the Cowboys as their head coach. His familiarity with the team, as well as his offensive acumen, makes him a compelling option.

Moore is a young, rising star in the coaching ranks and could bring a fresh perspective to the Cowboys’ offense. His success with the Chargers in his first season there could further enhance his candidacy for a head coaching job. If the Cowboys want to go with an offensive-minded coach who has a deep understanding of the organization, Moore could be a perfect fit.

4. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Wolverines Head Coach)

Jim Harbaugh has proven himself as one of the most successful college football coaches in recent years, leading the Michigan Wolverines to multiple Big Ten titles and a College Football Playoff appearance. Harbaugh has a long history of success in the NFL, serving as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, where he guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple NFC Championship games.

Harbaugh is known for his fiery competitive spirit, disciplined approach, and ability to develop quarterbacks. His tenure with the 49ers was marked by a strong defense, a physical running game, and effective quarterback play, all traits that could translate well to the Cowboys. His ability to build a cohesive team and bring out the best in his players is something that the Cowboys could benefit from, especially given the team’s struggles in high-pressure playoff situations.

The main question surrounding Harbaugh is whether he would want to return to the NFL after his successful run at Michigan. Harbaugh has been linked to NFL jobs in the past, and his connection to the Cowboys’ organization is solid. If the Cowboys were looking for a coach who has experience building a Super Bowl contender and could bring a sense of urgency to a franchise that has not won a Super Bowl since the 1990s, Harbaugh would be a top candidate.

5. Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans Head Coach)

Mike Vrabel has quickly become one of the most respected head coaches in the NFL, turning the Tennessee Titans into perennial playoff contenders. Vrabel’s coaching philosophy is rooted in toughness, discipline, and defense. He’s built the Titans into a team that plays with a blue-collar mentality, and his ability to maximize the talent on his roster has been impressive.

Vrabel’s leadership has earned him a reputation as a players’ coach who knows how to connect with his team while maintaining discipline and accountability. He has proven he can succeed with both a strong defense and a physical running game, two elements that could complement the Cowboys’ strengths.

While Vrabel’s coaching style differs from McCarthy’s, his success with the Titans is undeniable. If the Cowboys are looking for someone who can instill a winning culture and demand more from the players, Vrabel would be a strong choice. His background as a former player also gives him credibility in the locker room, which could help him navigate the pressures of coaching the Cowboys.

6. Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)

Ben Johnson is a young, up-and-coming coach who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top offensive coordinators in the NFL. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has transformed the team’s offense into one of the most exciting units in the league. He’s helped quarterback Jared Goff regain his confidence and has developed an offense that is balanced, dynamic, and explosive.

Johnson is widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in football, and his ability to scheme up creative plays and adjust to opposing defenses has been a major factor in the Lions’ success. If the Cowboys were looking for an offensive mastermind to take over the head coaching role, Johnson would be a strong candidate.

While Johnson is still relatively young and inexperienced as a head coach, his work with the Lions has shown that he has the potential to lead an NFL team to success. His innovative approach to offense and his ability to get the most out of his players make him a promising option for the Cowboys.