Projected Cowboys Coaching Search Timeline Hints Jerry Jones Will Drag His Feet: A Deeper Look into the Future of Dallas Football
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most recognizable franchises in the NFL, are at a crucial crossroads. For years, the team has been building toward another championship, and while they have regularly remained a playoff contender, there is a sense that the current setup is not quite living up to its potential. Despite a roster brimming with talent and a financial commitment to elite players, the Cowboys have consistently failed to break through in the postseason, often falling short of Super Bowl aspirations. The pressure is mounting, and many are beginning to question whether a change at head coach is necessary.
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the final stages of another season, speculation around the future of Mike McCarthy has reached a fever pitch. Will he remain the head coach, or will Jerry Jones decide to move in a new direction? With the team still in contention and the NFL playoffs around the corner, the timeline for any potential coaching change is a critical question for the franchise. However, all signs point to the reality that Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ legendary owner, will likely take his time making a decision—perhaps dragging his feet longer than expected.
In this article, we will break down the projected timeline for the Cowboys’ head coach search, analyze Jerry Jones’ decision-making process, and examine why Jones is likely to take a slow, methodical approach to this high-stakes decision. We will also explore how the team’s immediate future could be impacted by Jones’ reluctance to make an early change and what this means for the Cowboys as they continue their quest for the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.
A Brief History of Jerry Jones’ Coaching Decisions
To understand the likely trajectory of the Cowboys’ coaching search, it is essential to first examine Jerry Jones’ historical approach to hiring and firing coaches. Jerry Jones, who purchased the Cowboys in 1989, has always been intimately involved in the team’s operations, particularly when it comes to major decisions. Unlike many NFL owners who delegate authority to general managers or other executives, Jones has been the face of the Cowboys’ decisions and has never been shy about asserting his influence.
Jones’ first major coaching hire, Jimmy Johnson, was a game-changer for the Cowboys. Under Johnson’s leadership, the team won two Super Bowls in the 1990s, cementing the Cowboys’ legacy as one of the NFL’s elite franchises. However, after a power struggle with Jones, Johnson was surprisingly let go following the 1993 season, despite his tremendous success.
Jones’ next head coach, Barry Switzer, took over and won a third Super Bowl for the Cowboys in 1995. However, Switzer’s tenure was less successful overall, and Jones was again left searching for the right fit. After the departure of Switzer, Jones went on to hire Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, and Bill Parcells in the early 2000s, but the team struggled to find consistent success during this period.
The Cowboys found some stability in the mid-2000s with Wade Phillips, who had the team competitive for a few seasons, but ultimately, the Cowboys’ failure to make deep playoff runs led to his firing. Jason Garrett, a former Cowboys quarterback, became the head coach in 2010, lasting for a decade. Although Garrett had some success, his tenure was characterized by inconsistency and a lack of postseason success, with the team often failing to meet the lofty expectations set by Jones and the Cowboys’ fanbase.
Since Mike McCarthy took over in 2020, Jones has once again found himself at a crossroads, trying to determine if McCarthy is the right coach to take the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl. McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, has been criticized for his offensive approach and ability to perform in big moments, especially during the playoffs.
Jerry Jones’ approach to hiring coaches, particularly in recent years, has been one of cautious optimism but also impatience. Jones has often been willing to wait for the right coach to emerge, but he has not hesitated to make a change when the team fails to meet expectations. As a result, the Cowboys’ coaching decisions often unfold with tension and drama, with each hiring or firing setting the stage for intense media speculation and fan debate.
The Likely Timeline of the Cowboys’ Coaching Search
With the uncertainty surrounding Mike McCarthy’s future in Dallas, the question arises: when will Jerry Jones pull the trigger on a coaching change? Based on Jones’ past behavior and the current state of the team, it is likely that the search will follow a timeline that may take longer than many expect. Here’s a projected timeline of what the Cowboys’ coaching search may look like:
1. The Regular Season Conclusion: January
The Cowboys’ regular season is nearing its conclusion, and while McCarthy has made progress in establishing a competitive team, any playoff failure or unfulfilled expectations could lead to speculation about his future. Historically, Jones has often waited until the season is officially over before making any coaching changes. While some teams will fire their coaches before the season ends, Jerry Jones has tended to allow the season to run its course before making any decisions.
By the time the Cowboys’ season wraps up, whether in the playoffs or after an early postseason exit, there will likely be significant pressure on Jones to either retain or part ways with McCarthy. However, Jones is known for his deep attachment to his hires, and it could take time for him to fully evaluate whether McCarthy is the right fit moving forward. This could delay any action until well into the offseason.
2. Early Offseason Evaluation: Late January to Early February
After the Cowboys’ season concludes, Jerry Jones will begin evaluating not only McCarthy’s performance but also the team’s overall situation. This period will be crucial for Jones to consider the direction of the franchise, and he is known for taking his time during this phase. He will likely consult with his team executives and other key figures within the organization, such as Stephen Jones, to discuss McCarthy’s potential future with the team.
Jones is also known for being a hands-on owner, often seeking input from players, coaches, and staff before making any major decisions. This period of evaluation could stretch several weeks, as Jones reflects on whether a change is necessary or if McCarthy deserves another year at the helm. This slow process could cause tension, particularly if the Cowboys’ fanbase or media begins to apply pressure for a decision sooner rather than later.
3. The Search for a Replacement: Mid to Late February
If Jerry Jones does decide that McCarthy is no longer the right coach for the Cowboys, the search for a new head coach will likely begin in earnest after the Super Bowl. This search, however, could be a drawn-out process. Jones is known for his meticulous nature when it comes to coaching hires, and he has often taken several weeks, if not months, to finalize a decision.
The Cowboys are a high-profile team with a storied history, and they will need to carefully consider who will be the next person to lead the franchise back to the promised land of the Super Bowl. Given the current makeup of the Cowboys’ roster, which is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, it’s likely that Jones will seek out an offensive-minded coach, someone who can maximize Dak Prescott’s potential and revamp a potentially high-powered offense.
Names like Sean Payton, Kellen Moore, and Dan Quinn could emerge as top candidates, but Jones has shown a willingness to entertain a variety of options. The extended search period will allow Jones to weigh all of his options and make a decision that he believes is best for the long-term future of the Cowboys.
4. The Decision: March to April
Ultimately, Jerry Jones is expected to make his decision about the Cowboys’ coaching situation by early spring. This would allow the team to prepare for the NFL Draft and free agency, both of which will have significant implications for the direction of the roster. Whether McCarthy is retained or a new coach is brought in, the decision will need to be made in time to align with these critical offseason activities.
Why Jerry Jones Will Likely Drag His Feet
Several factors contribute to why Jerry Jones will likely take his time with the decision-making process:
- Emotional Attachment to Coaches: Jerry Jones has a personal and emotional connection to the Cowboys’ coaches, especially McCarthy. Jones may hesitate to make a change quickly, especially if he believes McCarthy deserves more time to prove himself.
- Inconsistent Expectations: The Cowboys are often an enigma—capable of being one of the best teams in the league, but also prone to frustrating losses. Jones may not have a clear-cut answer on whether McCarthy is truly the issue or if the team’s playoff struggles are simply part of the unpredictability of the NFL.
- Long-Term Vision: Jones is not only thinking about the next season but the long-term future of the Cowboys. He will want to ensure that any decision made is in line with the team’s ultimate goals. Given the Cowboys’ history and resources, Jones may prefer to carefully consider the long-term implications of any coaching change.
- Pressure from Fans and Media: While Jerry Jones often listens to outside voices, he is not easily swayed by public pressure. He will take the time he believes is necessary to make the decision that he thinks is right, even if it causes frustration among fans or in the media.
Conclusion
As the Dallas Cowboys approach another potentially pivotal offseason, Jerry Jones’ decision on whether to retain or part ways with Mike McCarthy will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL. Given Jones’ track record of slow, methodical decision-making and his attachment to coaches, it seems likely that the search for a new head coach, if necessary, will stretch well into the spring. While fans and pundits may want a quick resolution, Jerry Jones is more likely to drag his feet, taking the time he needs to ensure that the Cowboys make the right call for the future of the franchise. Whether McCarthy stays or goes, the timeline for this decision will likely unfold at a slower pace, as Jones evaluates his options carefully before making a move.
