Dallas Cowboys Coordinators Contemplating Opportunities: The Future of the Team’s Coaching Staff
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, coaching decisions can make or break a franchise’s aspirations. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied and high-profile teams in the league, are currently navigating an intriguing crossroads with their coordinators. As of January 2025, the team’s coordinators are still weighing their options, with rumors swirling about potential new opportunities both within and outside the Cowboys organization.
The Current Situation: A Crossroads for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have undergone significant roster and organizational changes over the last few seasons. Under head coach Mike McCarthy, the team has experienced both highs and lows, yet it remains a perennial contender in the NFC. However, with the franchise striving for its first Super Bowl appearance in nearly three decades, much of the focus has shifted to the coaching staff, and particularly the coordinators.
Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore and Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn are the two key figures at the center of the conversation. Both men have proven themselves as talented coaches in the NFL, but their futures with the Cowboys are uncertain as they consider various offers and career paths.
Kellen Moore: A Rising Star in the NFL Coaching World
Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator since 2019, has been one of the brightest young offensive minds in the league. His ability to transform the Cowboys’ offense into a high-powered unit has been evident over the past few seasons. Moore’s scheme, which is built around a balanced attack, high tempo, and explosive passing game, has helped quarterback Dak Prescott thrive.
However, despite the offensive success, Moore’s name has been floated in connection with other head coaching and coordinator positions across the league. His system has gained significant attention, particularly from teams seeking an offensive-minded leader to revitalize their struggling offenses. As other teams search for fresh perspectives at the top of their coaching staffs, Moore’s expertise is highly coveted.
The key question now is whether Moore feels that his future lies with the Cowboys or if he sees an opportunity to step into a more prominent role elsewhere. The challenge for Moore is balancing his loyalty to the Cowboys with his personal ambition. While McCarthy’s leadership is solid, Moore could view a head coaching gig as the next logical step in his career, especially with several franchises expressing interest in him.
Dan Quinn: The Defensive Architect and Potential Head Coach
On the defensive side of the ball, Dan Quinn has turned the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s most formidable units. Since arriving in Dallas in 2021, Quinn has worked wonders with a group that includes elite players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Under Quinn’s guidance, the defense has been known for its aggressiveness, versatility, and ability to generate turnovers.
However, despite his success in Dallas, Quinn’s name continues to surface in head coaching rumors. Several teams, including those with struggling defenses or aging rosters, have reportedly reached out to Quinn about leading their teams in a head coaching capacity. After a successful tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Quinn is seen by many as a prime candidate for a return to a top position.
For Quinn, the decision is not an easy one. He has built something special in Dallas, and the opportunity to continue shaping one of the NFL’s best defenses may be tempting. At the same time, the allure of returning to a head coaching position could be strong. Quinn has previously experienced the challenges and rewards of leading a team at the highest level, and he may feel ready for that challenge again.
The Cowboys’ Dilemma: Holding on to Key Coordinators
While Moore and Quinn are certainly talented enough to warrant attention from other teams, the Cowboys also face the difficult challenge of keeping their coaching staff intact. Head coach Mike McCarthy is likely aware of the impact that both coordinators have had on the team’s success, and his ability to retain them will be a key factor in the team’s continued growth.
The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry Jones, has a track record of being proactive when it comes to locking up important pieces of the coaching staff. The organization has expressed a desire to maintain stability on both sides of the ball, especially given the team’s overall success in recent seasons. Jones and McCarthy likely understand that keeping Moore and Quinn could help the Cowboys stay competitive in the NFC.
However, Jones also has a history of making bold moves when necessary. Should Moore or Quinn be offered a lucrative head coaching position elsewhere, Jones could be faced with the decision of promoting from within or hiring new faces to fill those positions. The success of the Cowboys’ current staff could create a delicate balancing act between maintaining continuity and pursuing potential upgrades.
The Bigger Picture: The 2025 Offseason and Beyond
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, much of the team’s future will be determined by the decisions made regarding their coaching staff. Moore and Quinn’s next moves could reshape the direction of the franchise, for better or worse. The Cowboys’ ability to retain these two key figures or replace them with capable replacements will play a major role in the team’s quest for another Super Bowl.
The broader context of the NFL also plays a significant role in these decisions. The league has seen an influx of new, young head coaches in recent years, many of whom have embraced modern offensive schemes and aggressive defensive tactics. As teams look to rebuild or retool, the demand for talented coordinators is at an all-time high. Moore and Quinn, with their innovative approaches, could be seen as attractive options for teams looking to make a splash.
The Cowboys must also consider the long-term ramifications of any potential changes to their coaching staff. While Moore and Quinn may seem like obvious candidates to lead the team into the future, the franchise must ensure that they are prepared for life after these coordinators, should they leave. Having a clear succession plan in place will be crucial for maintaining a sense of continuity and stability as the team moves forward.
The Emotional Factor: Loyalty vs. Opportunity
For both Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn, loyalty to the Cowboys and the desire for new opportunities are at odds. On one hand, both coordinators have helped turn the team into perennial Super Bowl contenders, with Moore overseeing a prolific offense and Quinn turning the defense into one of the league’s most feared units. On the other hand, both have aspirations beyond their current roles. For Moore, it’s the potential to lead a franchise as head coach. For Quinn, it’s a return to a head coaching job after his tenure with the Falcons.
Ultimately, the decision for both coaches will likely come down to a mixture of career ambitions, personal goals, and the opportunities available to them. Both men will weigh the rewards of staying in Dallas—where they have established themselves as key figures in a rising team—against the prospect of taking on new challenges elsewhere.
