As of January 2025, the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is Mike McCarthy. However, speculation about who will succeed McCarthy or whether he will remain in his position is a frequent topic of discussion among Cowboys fans, analysts, and media outlets. Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, has a history of high-profile coaching changes, and his decision-making regarding the team’s coaching staff is always under scrutiny.
To explore who the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys might be, it’s crucial to consider various factors: Jerry Jones’ history of hiring and firing coaches, the current state of the Cowboys franchise, potential candidates, and broader trends in the NFL coaching landscape.
Jerry Jones and His Coaching Decisions
Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, and since then, he has been known for being heavily involved in the team’s decision-making processes, including the hiring and firing of head coaches. Jones is a hands-on owner who often publicly states his desire to win a Super Bowl and is known for making bold moves in pursuit of that goal.
Over the years, Jones has hired and fired several prominent head coaches, each of whom had varying levels of success. His most notable coaching hire was Jimmy Johnson in 1989, who led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles in 1992 and 1993. However, Jones and Johnson famously parted ways after the 1993 season, with Johnson leaving the Cowboys due to a breakdown in their relationship.
After Johnson’s departure, Jones hired Barry Switzer, who won another Super Bowl in 1995, but his tenure was less successful, leading to his firing after the 1997 season. Since Switzer, the Cowboys have had several head coaches, including Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, and Mike McCarthy.
The Cowboys’ coaching turnover has been relatively high under Jones, with the team making frequent changes when expectations are not met. However, Jones is also known for sticking with coaches for extended periods when he believes they are capable of turning the team around. For example, Jason Garrett served as the head coach of the Cowboys for almost a decade (2010–2019), despite not achieving significant playoff success during much of that time.
The Current State of the Dallas Cowboys
As of January 2025, the Dallas Cowboys are in a relatively strong position. The team has had solid regular-season performances in recent years, making the playoffs in multiple seasons under McCarthy. However, despite these regular-season successes, the Cowboys have not made it past the divisional round of the playoffs since 1995, which remains a significant source of frustration for both fans and ownership.
The team’s roster has some impressive talent, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, and a defense led by standout players such as Micah Parsons. The Cowboys also have one of the most recognizable and valuable franchises in the NFL, with a passionate fanbase that has high expectations for success.
However, the team’s inability to reach the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl in recent years has led to increasing pressure on McCarthy and Jones. Jerry Jones is known for his impatience and high expectations, and it’s possible that if the Cowboys don’t make significant strides in the postseason over the next couple of years, Jones could decide to make a change at head coach.
Factors That Could Lead to a Coaching Change
Several factors could influence Jones’ decision to replace Mike McCarthy as head coach. These factors include:
- Playoff Success: The primary factor that could lead to a coaching change is playoff success. While the Cowboys have made the playoffs in recent years, they have been unable to advance deep into the postseason. If McCarthy’s Cowboys fail to make a deep playoff run in the near future, Jones may feel compelled to make a change, especially with the growing expectation to compete for a Super Bowl.
- Dak Prescott’s Development: Dak Prescott’s growth as a quarterback will be another critical factor in McCarthy’s future with the Cowboys. If Prescott’s development stagnates or he doesn’t perform at an elite level, it could reflect poorly on McCarthy’s coaching abilities. Jerry Jones may decide to bring in a new coach who can better develop Prescott or implement an offensive scheme better suited to his strengths.
- Team Chemistry and Performance: The Cowboys have a talented roster, but team chemistry and performance can also play a role in coaching decisions. If the team’s performance begins to decline or there are issues with player-coach relationships, Jones may feel the need to make a change.
- Pressure from Fans and Media: The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL, and any underperformance or lack of success is heavily scrutinized by the media. If the pressure from fans and the media becomes too intense, Jones may feel compelled to make a change, even if the team is still performing decently during the regular season.
- A Strong Coaching Candidate Becomes Available: If a high-profile head coach or an up-and-coming coordinator becomes available, Jones may seize the opportunity to make a change. For instance, a coach with a successful track record in other parts of the league might appeal to Jones as the missing piece to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory.
Potential Candidates for the Head Coach Position
If Jerry Jones decides to make a change and replace Mike McCarthy, several potential candidates could be in the mix. These candidates could come from a variety of backgrounds, including current NFL coordinators, former head coaches, and up-and-coming assistants. Some potential candidates include:
1. Dan Quinn (Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)
Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, is one of the top candidates if McCarthy is fired. Quinn has done an excellent job with the Cowboys’ defense, which has been one of the best in the league under his leadership, thanks to standout players like Micah Parsons. Quinn has previous head coaching experience with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2017, although he ultimately fell short.
Quinn’s familiarity with the team and his success in transforming the Cowboys’ defense could make him an attractive option for Jerry Jones. Given the emphasis on defense in today’s NFL and the fact that the Cowboys’ offense is already talented, Jones might believe Quinn could take the next step as a head coach and lead the team to greater success.
2. Kellen Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers)
Kellen Moore, who was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, could also be a candidate for the head coaching position in Dallas. Moore was well-regarded for his innovative play-calling and ability to help Dak Prescott become one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. He was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, but if he impresses with the Chargers, Jones could consider bringing him back to Dallas.
Moore’s familiarity with Prescott and the Cowboys’ offensive system would make him a seamless fit if he were to return to the Cowboys as head coach. His youth and offensive-minded approach could also appeal to Jones, especially with a talented quarterback like Prescott under center.
3. Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders)
Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders and former offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, has long been considered a potential head coach. Bieniemy’s role in Kansas City’s high-powered offense, which won multiple Super Bowls with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, could make him an appealing candidate for Jones.
Bieniemy’s offensive prowess and experience with elite quarterbacks could be just what the Cowboys need to unlock the full potential of Dak Prescott. Although Bieniemy has faced questions about his ability to land a head coaching job, his success in Kansas City might ultimately lead him to a head coaching role with a team like the Cowboys.
4. DeMeco Ryans (Head Coach, Houston Texans)
While DeMeco Ryans is already the head coach of the Houston Texans as of 2025, it’s possible that his future could involve a return to Dallas, given his history with the Cowboys. Ryans, a former linebacker for the Cowboys, could be an ideal candidate for Jones if he struggles in Houston and becomes available.
Ryans’ defensive acumen, leadership, and strong ties to the Cowboys organization make him an intriguing option if the team were to pursue a new direction.
5. Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)
Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, was rumored to be a potential candidate for the Cowboys job when Jason Garrett was fired in 2020. Although Payton took a break from coaching and joined the broadcast booth after leaving the Saints, it’s possible that he could return to coaching if the right opportunity presents itself.
Payton’s track record as a Super Bowl-winning head coach with the Saints, along with his ability to build high-powered offenses, makes him an appealing candidate. If Jerry Jones believes that Payton is the missing piece to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, he could make a bold move to hire him.
