Former Players & Experienced Coaches: Looking at Potential Head Coaching Candidates for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a rich history of success and a passionate fan base that expects nothing less than excellence. Over the years, the Cowboys have experienced numerous highs and lows, but one constant has been the pressure to win championships. The franchise has had some remarkable seasons, but in recent years, the team has struggled to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs, and there have been growing concerns about whether current head coach Mike McCarthy is the right person to lead the team back to the promised land.
After another season of playoff disappointment, there has been increasing speculation about the future of McCarthy, with many questioning whether it’s time for a change. The Cowboys are a team with a talented roster, including star players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, but the question remains: Who can take the reins and bring this team back to championship contention? The search for a new head coach is never an easy task, but the Cowboys have a unique opportunity to bring in a leader who can maximize the potential of their roster and restore the franchise to greatness.
In this article, we’ll explore potential candidates for the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, looking at both former players who might be ready to take on the challenge and experienced coaches who could help the team find success. These candidates come with various levels of experience, but all share one common goal: bringing a Super Bowl to Dallas.
1. Dan Quinn (Current Defensive Coordinator)
One of the most logical candidates to take over the Cowboys as head coach is Dan Quinn, the team’s current defensive coordinator. Quinn is a well-respected defensive mind who has been a crucial part of the Cowboys’ resurgence on the defensive side of the ball in recent seasons. Under Quinn, the Cowboys’ defense has become one of the most aggressive and dynamic units in the league, with standout players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs flourishing in Quinn’s system.
Quinn’s success in Dallas, combined with his experience as a former head coach, makes him a strong candidate for the job. Quinn served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. While the Falcons’ defense during Quinn’s tenure wasn’t always consistent, his ability to develop strong defensive units and foster a winning culture is undeniable. His tenure with Atlanta ended on a sour note, but he has since revitalized his career in Dallas, and his leadership and expertise on defense could help elevate the Cowboys to the next level.
One of Quinn’s strongest attributes is his ability to build strong relationships with players, which is crucial in today’s NFL. He’s respected by the Cowboys’ players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and he understands the dynamics of running a successful organization. If the Cowboys decide to move on from McCarthy, Quinn would be a natural choice to take over as head coach, and his defensive acumen would certainly be an asset.
However, the major question with Quinn is whether he can adapt to being a head coach once again. The transition from defensive coordinator to head coach is not always a smooth one, and while Quinn’s defensive expertise is unquestioned, there may be concerns about his ability to manage the entire team. The Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, will need just as much attention as the defense, and it remains to be seen whether Quinn can strike the right balance.
2. Sean Payton (Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach)
Another potential candidate for the Cowboys’ head coaching job is Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton is one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NFL, with a career that includes a Super Bowl win, multiple NFC South titles, and a reputation as one of the league’s top offensive minds. After stepping down from his role with the Saints in 2022, Payton has been out of coaching for a year, but many expect him to return to the sidelines at some point.
Payton is known for his ability to develop high-powered offenses, and his offensive scheme is exactly what the Cowboys need to elevate their offense to an elite level. Under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it has also been inconsistent, particularly in the postseason. Payton’s ability to scheme around his quarterback and get the most out of his skill players could be the answer for a Cowboys team that needs more offensive punch to compete at the highest level.
Moreover, Payton’s experience as a Super Bowl-winning coach speaks for itself. He has proven that he can guide a team to the top of the NFL, and his leadership style is one that commands respect from players. His track record with quarterbacks like Drew Brees—whom he helped turn into a future Hall of Famer—also makes him an appealing option for the Cowboys and Dak Prescott.
While Payton is widely considered to be one of the top coaching candidates available, there are a few potential drawbacks. For one, Payton’s high expectations and demanding personality might not mesh well with every player on the roster. Additionally, after a year away from coaching, it’s unclear whether he would be ready to step back into the grind of NFL coaching. The Cowboys would also have to be willing to give up significant compensation to the Saints in order to hire Payton, as he is still under contract with the team.
3. Kellen Moore (Former Offensive Coordinator)
Another intriguing option for the Cowboys is Kellen Moore, the team’s former offensive coordinator. Moore, who spent several years as the Cowboys’ OC under Mike McCarthy, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL. During his time with the Cowboys, Moore was responsible for helping design an offense that was both explosive and balanced, with Dak Prescott posting some of his best seasons under Moore’s guidance.
After being let go by the Cowboys following the 2024 season, Moore quickly found a new opportunity, becoming the head coach of a team in need of an offensive overhaul. His promotion to the top spot could be seen as a long-overdue recognition of his talent and potential as a head coach.
Moore has demonstrated an ability to relate to players, particularly quarterbacks, and his offensive systems are flexible enough to adapt to the strengths of his players. His success as a coordinator speaks to his ability to understand what it takes to win in the NFL, and his knowledge of the Cowboys’ roster would give him an advantage in a new role.
However, some questions remain about Moore’s readiness for a head coaching role. His time in Dallas was marked by an inability to consistently take the offense to the next level, particularly in big moments like playoff games. Additionally, Moore would need to prove that he can manage all aspects of a team, not just the offense. While he has the potential to be a successful head coach, it’s unclear whether he’s ready to make the leap just yet.
4. Mike Zimmer (Former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach)
Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, is another potential candidate for the Cowboys job. Zimmer is a well-known defensive-minded coach with a reputation for building strong defensive units. He served as the head coach of the Vikings from 2014 to 2020, leading the team to several playoff appearances and a consistently strong defense.
Zimmer’s success as a defensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a head coach is another point in his favor. He has a wealth of experience and has worked with some of the best defensive players in the league, and he’s known for his ability to develop and maximize talent on that side of the ball.
While Zimmer has been away from coaching for a couple of years, his experience and track record would make him a strong candidate to take over the Cowboys’ defense. If the Cowboys are looking to keep the offense in the hands of someone like Kellen Moore or Dan Quinn, Zimmer could come in as a defensive coordinator with head coaching experience, which could help bring a sense of stability and leadership.
However, Zimmer’s style might be better suited for a team that is more focused on defense. His tough, no-nonsense approach might not be a perfect fit for a team with high-profile offensive players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys may be looking for a head coach with a more balanced approach.
5. Deion Sanders (Head Coach at Colorado)
One of the more outside-the-box candidates is Deion Sanders, currently the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. Sanders, one of the most famous and charismatic athletes in sports history, has quickly become a sensation as a head coach. His impact at Colorado has been immediate, and he has generated significant attention with his unique coaching style and ability to recruit top talent.
Sanders is known for his leadership, charisma, and ability to inspire players, and he would bring a sense of excitement to the Cowboys’ franchise. His track record at Colorado, albeit in a different level of competition, shows that he has the potential to build a strong program, and his unique blend of motivation and football IQ could help the Cowboys reach new heights.
While Sanders has only coached at the college level so far, his personality, experience as a Hall of Fame player, and potential as a motivator could be intriguing to the Cowboys. However, the jump to the NFL would be a major leap, and it’s unclear whether Sanders is ready to take on that challenge just yet.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads. With the team’s championship window still open, they need a head coach who can maximize the potential of a talented roster and lead them to the Super Bowl. Whether they decide to promote from within, hire an experienced coach, or take a risk on a young, dynamic leader, the Cowboys have a range of options to choose from.
Dan Quinn, Sean Payton, and Kellen Moore are among the top candidates with the experience and knowledge to lead the team to success, while Mike Zimmer and Deion Sanders represent different but intriguing possibilities. Regardless of the direction the Cowboys go in, the next head coach will need to find a way to capitalize on the team’s talent and take them to the next level. The pressure is on, and the future of the Cowboys’ franchise depends on the decision they make.
