Dallas Cowboys’ Next Head Coach Odds: Who Will Replace Mike McCarthy?
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of the NFL. However, despite boasting a talented roster year after year, they have struggled to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in 1995. A high level of consistency in the regular season has not translated to postseason success, leaving many fans, analysts, and even team insiders questioning whether Mike McCarthy is the right coach to lead the Cowboys to their next championship.
With McCarthy’s future in doubt, the Cowboys are now looking ahead to potential replacements. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, has always been an advocate for high-profile, established coaches, and the search for McCarthy’s successor promises to be no different. The Cowboys’ next head coach will need to manage a star-studded roster, including quarterback Dak Prescott, pass rusher Micah Parsons, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, while also dealing with the massive expectations that come with coaching America’s Team.
As rumors swirl regarding McCarthy’s job security, let’s take a deep dive into some of the potential candidates to replace him, examining the strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as their chances of landing the coveted position.
The Case for Mike McCarthy’s Exit
Before we delve into the potential replacements, it’s important to understand the factors that might push McCarthy out of the door. McCarthy took over as the Cowboys’ head coach in 2020 after Jason Garrett’s tenure ended. While McCarthy brought stability and a Super Bowl pedigree to the franchise, the Cowboys have struggled in critical moments under his leadership.
McCarthy’s primary issue has been his failure to guide the team past the divisional round of the playoffs, despite the Cowboys having one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. In 2021, the Cowboys were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers, and in 2022, despite a dominant regular-season record, McCarthy’s squad was knocked out by the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff game that raised questions about game management and tactical decisions.
Additionally, McCarthy’s performance in high-pressure situations, his decision-making, and a perceived lack of discipline have been sources of frustration for both the fans and players. While the Cowboys have been consistent in their regular-season play under McCarthy, they have yet to take that next step and make a deep playoff run. As the pressure mounts, it’s possible that Jerry Jones could look for a change at the helm.
Who Are the Top Candidates to Replace Mike McCarthy?
With McCarthy’s future uncertain, there are several strong contenders who could potentially be the next head coach of the Cowboys. Let’s break down some of the leading candidates, their chances, and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ culture.
1. Sean Payton – The Long Shot
One name that has consistently popped up in discussions about the Cowboys’ head coach vacancy is Sean Payton. Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL. After stepping away from coaching following the 2021 season, Payton has been linked to numerous job openings, including the Cowboys.
Payton’s resume is impressive, including a Super Bowl victory in 2009, multiple playoff appearances, and a long history of developing quarterbacks, particularly Drew Brees. His aggressive offensive system could be a perfect fit for a team like the Cowboys, which has a top-tier quarterback in Dak Prescott and an impressive array of offensive weapons. Payton has also been credited with strong leadership qualities, and he has a reputation for holding players accountable.
The downside, however, is that Payton comes with a hefty price tag. He is under contract with the Saints, meaning the Cowboys would likely have to trade significant assets to acquire him. Additionally, Payton may want to go to a team with a more established quarterback or a more secure situation, which could make him hesitant to take over a Cowboys team that has not had sustained playoff success under McCarthy.
2. Dan Quinn – The Popular In-House Option
One of the most frequently mentioned names as a potential replacement for Mike McCarthy is Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Quinn has earned considerable respect for his work with the Cowboys’ defense, which has become one of the most feared units in the NFL since he took over as defensive coordinator in 2021.
Quinn has extensive head coaching experience, having served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020. During his time in Atlanta, Quinn led the Falcons to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season, where they famously lost to the New England Patriots in a heartbreaking game. Despite his failure to win the big game in Atlanta, Quinn has a strong track record of turning around struggling teams, and he is widely regarded as a brilliant defensive strategist.
The Cowboys’ defense under Quinn has been outstanding, particularly in its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers. This has been a key reason the Cowboys have remained competitive despite some struggles on offense. Furthermore, Quinn has a calm and collected demeanor, which contrasts nicely with the often intense nature of the Cowboys’ high-profile roster. His leadership style could be exactly what the team needs.
However, Quinn’s potential drawback is that he may not have the offensive expertise to lead a team to a Super Bowl in the current NFL landscape, where offense is paramount. Given the Cowboys’ loaded offense, Jerry Jones may prefer a coach who can get the most out of Prescott and the offense, which could ultimately work against Quinn’s candidacy.
3. Kellen Moore – The Offensive Mind
Another potential candidate from within the Cowboys organization is Kellen Moore, the team’s offensive coordinator. Moore has been credited with revitalizing the Cowboys’ offense and turning it into one of the most explosive in the league. Under Moore’s leadership, the Cowboys have had one of the highest-scoring offenses, particularly in the passing game.
Moore’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ personnel is a big advantage, and he has shown a natural ability to get the best out of Prescott, who has flourished in Moore’s system. Moore is also known for his creativity, and he has the potential to be a head coach who can bring fresh ideas to the Cowboys’ offense.
However, Moore’s lack of head coaching experience might be a concern. He has been an offensive coordinator for only a few years, and while he has had success, leading an entire team is a different challenge. Some may question whether Moore has the leadership qualities and experience necessary to succeed as a head coach.
That said, Moore’s potential is undeniable, and Jerry Jones has shown a willingness to take risks on younger coaches. Given Moore’s ability to run a high-powered offense and his strong relationship with Prescott, he could be an intriguing candidate if the Cowboys want to stay in-house.
4. Mike Zimmer – The Veteran Option
Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, is another potential candidate that has been mentioned as a replacement for McCarthy. Zimmer is a respected defensive mind, and his experience as a head coach could make him a solid choice for the Cowboys. Zimmer has a track record of building solid defensive teams, and his leadership could bring some stability to the Cowboys’ locker room.
However, Zimmer’s track record in the postseason has been underwhelming. Despite making several playoff appearances with the Vikings, Zimmer was never able to advance to the Super Bowl, which might make Jerry Jones hesitant to hire him. Additionally, Zimmer is known for being a hard-nosed coach, which could potentially clash with the Cowboys’ star-studded roster.
5. Jim Harbaugh – The Bold Choice
Finally, one of the more intriguing names in the coaching conversation is Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh has been incredibly successful in college football, and his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense leader has made him a polarizing figure. Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2012 season and has enjoyed great success at Michigan.
Harbaugh’s competitive nature and drive for excellence could make him a strong fit for the Cowboys, but there are questions about his ability to transition from the college ranks to the NFL. The Cowboys would need a coach who can handle the pressure of coaching a team with high expectations, and Harbaugh’s intense style could either resonate with the players or lead to friction. However, Harbaugh’s success at every level of football and his ability to revitalize teams makes him an intriguing option.
Conclusion: Who Will Replace Mike McCarthy?
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads, and the decision to replace Mike McCarthy could be one of the most important moves Jerry Jones makes in the coming years. There are several strong candidates, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Sean Payton and Dan Quinn are the two most likely options, with Payton’s offensive expertise and Quinn’s defensive success making them the top choices. However, names like Kellen Moore, Jim Harbaugh, and even Mike Zimmer could emerge as the Cowboys explore various options.
Whoever takes over for McCarthy will need to get the most out of a talented roster and, most importantly, deliver the one thing Cowboys fans have been craving for over two decades: a Super Bowl championship.
Leave a Reply