Jerry Jones’ Plan for Next Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Becoming Clearer
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, find themselves at a crossroads. After another disappointing playoff performance in the 2024 season, which saw the team fall short of advancing beyond the divisional round once again, Jerry Jones, the ever-ambitious owner of the Cowboys, is faced with a critical decision. The question on everyone’s mind: who will be the next head coach of America’s Team?
Jones has long been known for his bold moves and his ability to steer the Cowboys through a blend of high-profile coaching hires and gut-wrenching decisions. With the Cowboys struggling to break through their NFC Championship Game drought—an issue that has lingered since the team’s last appearance in 1995—the search for a new head coach, or potentially a reshaped coaching staff, has become an urgent priority.
As Jones has done in the past, he is not likely to make any decisions quickly. However, signs are beginning to emerge that suggest Jones has already identified several key characteristics and traits that he wants in his next head coach. This move could be the beginning of a long-term plan to restore the Cowboys to greatness. In this article, we will explore Jerry Jones’ evolving vision for the future of the Cowboys, examining the traits of his ideal head coach and how they fit into the franchise’s immediate and long-term goals.
Jerry Jones’ Legacy and Expectations
Before we dive into the plan for the Cowboys’ next head coach, it’s essential to understand the context of Jerry Jones’ legacy. Jones, who took over the Cowboys in 1989, is a man driven by a combination of football acumen, a desire for success, and, perhaps most importantly, a desire to remain the face of his team. He has reshaped the Cowboys into one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world and has positioned himself as a prominent figure in the NFL’s leadership structure.
His ownership has been marked by bold moves and high-profile decisions. Jones is famously not just the owner but also the general manager, giving him near-total control over the Cowboys’ roster and management. Throughout his tenure, Jones has hired and fired numerous coaches, from Barry Switzer to Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, and most recently, Mike McCarthy. Each decision has been influenced by Jones’ ambition to bring the Cowboys back to their Super Bowl-winning ways, and each has had varying degrees of success.
With the Cowboys now mired in a lengthy playoff drought, which has seen them unable to advance past the divisional round for nearly three decades, Jones faces mounting pressure. Fans expect more than just a winning regular season—they expect a return to the NFC Championship Game and, ultimately, the Super Bowl.
For Jones, the next head coach is pivotal in determining whether the Cowboys can return to the pinnacle of the NFL.
The Frustration with Mike McCarthy
Under the tenure of Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have seen both success and disappointment. McCarthy took over in 2020, following a tumultuous end to Jason Garrett’s long-running stint as head coach. McCarthy’s arrival was seen as an opportunity to bring fresh leadership, particularly given his Super Bowl-winning pedigree with the Green Bay Packers. His ability to guide a team to a championship was what enticed Jerry Jones to make the hire.
However, despite the Cowboys’ regular-season success, McCarthy’s tenure has been largely defined by playoff frustration. In his first season, Dallas struggled with injuries, including a significant one to Dak Prescott. In his second season, the Cowboys made it to the playoffs but fell short against the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round. The 2022 season, with a stacked roster and high expectations, saw the Cowboys fall once again in a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
By the 2024 season, it was clear that McCarthy’s tenure had become increasingly untenable. Although the Cowboys continued to be competitive, McCarthy’s inability to elevate the team beyond its divisional round limits has prompted serious questions about his future. Fans and pundits alike have become frustrated with the team’s stagnation, despite having a top-tier quarterback in Dak Prescott, one of the league’s most dominant defenses led by Micah Parsons, and offensive weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard.
As the Cowboys’ playoff run ended prematurely once again, it became apparent that McCarthy’s time in Dallas could be coming to a close. Jones’ next move was inevitable, but his exact vision for the future remained unclear.
A Shift Toward Offensive Leadership?
As the Cowboys’ struggles in the postseason continued, Jerry Jones began signaling a potential shift in his coaching philosophy. Throughout McCarthy’s time in Dallas, Jones has made it clear that he wants the team to be a perennial Super Bowl contender. However, Jones has also become more vocal about his desire for an innovative, offensive-minded coach who can take full advantage of the talents of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ skill position players.
In recent interviews, Jones has hinted at his preference for an offensive-minded coach who can lead a high-powered offense while also ensuring the team maintains its defensive edge. The rise of offensive-minded head coaches such as Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Nick Sirianni has made Jones more attuned to the changing trends in the NFL, where innovative offenses are increasingly winning championships.
The pressure for an offensive-minded coach stems from a recognition that the NFL is becoming more offensively driven, with teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles demonstrating the effectiveness of potent offenses paired with disciplined defenses. With Dak Prescott entering the prime years of his career, Jones may feel it is imperative to bring in a coach who can maximize the quarterback’s potential, especially as the team navigates its window of championship contention.
Candidates on the Radar
Several names are emerging as potential candidates for the Dallas Cowboys’ next head coach. Some are familiar faces within the Cowboys organization, while others are outside candidates with experience leading high-level offenses or defenses. Jones’ next move could define the team’s future, and he is likely keeping his options open.
1. Kellen Moore – The In-House Option
One potential option is Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator. Moore has garnered significant praise for his work developing the Cowboys’ offense, particularly with Dak Prescott at the helm. Under Moore, the Cowboys’ offense has consistently ranked among the league’s most potent, and he has shown creativity in his play-calling, using the weapons at his disposal in dynamic ways.
Moore, at just 35 years old, is a rising star in the coaching world. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and the offensive schemes already in place could make him a natural choice to step into the head coach role. Additionally, his ability to work with Prescott and develop a top-tier offensive system would align with Jones’ vision of a high-powered offense.
However, Moore’s lack of head coaching experience could be a potential hurdle. While he has excelled as an offensive coordinator, leading an entire team and managing all aspects of the game, from game management to player discipline, would be a significant challenge for a coach with limited experience in that regard.
2. Dan Quinn – The Defensive Specialist
Another potential in-house candidate is Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Quinn has revitalized the Cowboys’ defense since joining the team in 2021, and he is widely respected as one of the top defensive minds in the league. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense has become one of the most feared units in the NFL, thanks in large part to the play of Micah Parsons, who has emerged as one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Quinn, who previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has the experience of leading an NFL team, having taken the Falcons to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season. While Quinn is known for his defensive prowess, he has shown a strong understanding of overall team management and leadership. Given his familiarity with the Cowboys and his ability to lead a defense that can complement an offense, Quinn could be an appealing option.
However, as the NFL becomes more offensively focused, it remains to be seen whether Jones will prioritize a defensive-minded head coach or someone who can put together a high-octane offense.
3. Sean Payton – The Big Fish
A wildcard in the Cowboys’ search is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton is widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in NFL history, having led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009. His offensive system has consistently ranked among the league’s best, and he has an excellent track record of developing quarterbacks, most notably Drew Brees.
Payton has been out of coaching since stepping down from the Saints following the 2021 season, but he has made it clear that he is open to returning to the NFL in the right situation. Given the Cowboys’ talent and Payton’s desire to get back into coaching, it would not be a surprise if Jerry Jones pursues him aggressively. Payton’s ability to build a strong, balanced offense could be exactly what the Cowboys need to take the next step.
However, Payton’s potential price tag and the cost of acquiring him—since he is still under contract with the Saints—could present a significant challenge. Additionally, his strong-willed personality may clash with Jones’ direct involvement in day-to-day operations.
4. Jim Harbaugh – The College-to-NFL Jump
Finally, Jim Harbaugh, currently the head coach at Michigan, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Harbaugh has a proven track record of success at both the University of Michigan and in the NFL, where he led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Known for his intense personality and strong leadership, Harbaugh could bring the fire and accountability that some believe the Cowboys need.
Harbaugh has a strong offensive background and has consistently developed top-tier talent at Michigan. If Jones is looking for a coach with a proven track record of success who can challenge and elevate the team’s play, Harbaugh could be a strong candidate.
However, there are concerns about Harbaugh’s ability to adapt to the NFL game once again, especially after his relatively brief tenure with the 49ers.
The Road Ahead
As Jerry Jones looks ahead to the Cowboys’ future, his search for the next head coach will be a defining moment for the franchise. The decision will not only affect the immediate direction of the team but could also shape the Cowboys’ fortunes for years to come. Whether he chooses an offensive-minded coach, a defensive stalwart, or a proven NFL leader, one thing is clear—Jones’ ultimate goal remains the same: to bring the Cowboys back to Super Bowl contention and end their long-standing NFC Championship Game drought.
As the team enters a critical offseason, fans are hoping that Jones makes the right decision. The future of America’s Team is in his hands, and the next head coach could be the key to unlocking the Cowboys’ next great chapter.
