Cowboys Roundup: Strategies for Next Head Coach and Why the Team Must Draft an RB Early
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have been a fixture in the league’s conversation for decades. With five Super Bowl titles and a long history of elite players, the Cowboys are a team that demands constant attention. As we approach the 2025 season, however, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. Despite having a roster full of talent, the Cowboys have struggled to break through in recent years, failing to advance past the NFC Divisional Round in each of the last few seasons. This has led to increasing speculation about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy and whether a change at the helm is necessary to help the team take the next step.
In addition to the coaching situation, the Cowboys are also faced with an important decision in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite having one of the most potent passing offenses in the league, the Cowboys have struggled to establish a consistent running game. The lack of a true bell-cow back has held the team back from reaching its full potential, and as a result, the Cowboys must look to address the running back position early in the draft.
In this Cowboys Roundup, we’ll dive into the potential strategies for selecting the next head coach, and why drafting a running back early could be one of the most important moves the team makes in 2025.
The Future of Mike McCarthy: Is It Time for a Change?
Mike McCarthy has been the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys since 2020. While McCarthy has led the Cowboys to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, his tenure has been marked by inconsistent performances, especially in high-pressure postseason games. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys have not been able to get past the NFC Divisional Round, which has fueled skepticism regarding his ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl.
Despite some high points—such as the 2021 season where the Cowboys posted a 12-5 record and boasted one of the league’s top offenses—McCarthy’s tenure has been underwhelming when it comes to the postseason. In 2023, Dallas once again made the playoffs, only to be eliminated in the second round by a well-coached and disciplined San Francisco 49ers team. The inability to win in the playoffs, coupled with McCarthy’s struggles in close games, has placed his job security in question.
From a tactical perspective, McCarthy’s approach has often been seen as conservative. The team has not developed a consistent identity in either offense or defense, and at times, it appears that the Cowboys have been overly reliant on their talent, rather than on a coherent strategy. With McCarthy’s current contract running out in 2025, the Cowboys’ front office will have to decide if they believe he is the coach to lead them to a championship, or if it’s time to go in a new direction.
Potential Candidates for Head Coach
If Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, decides to part ways with McCarthy, there are several high-profile names that could be in the mix to become the next head coach. Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has long been considered a top candidate for high-profile coaching jobs, and Dallas could be an ideal landing spot for him. Payton’s offensive acumen, combined with his ability to build a team that plays with discipline, would make him a strong fit for the Cowboys.
Another name that could emerge as a candidate is Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator. Quinn has proven his ability to turn a struggling defense into a top-tier unit, and his experience as a former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons could make him an attractive choice. Quinn’s familiarity with the team and its culture would also make him a natural fit for the job, should the Cowboys decide to promote from within.
Lastly, Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, could also be considered. Moore, a rising star in coaching circles, has a deep understanding of the Cowboys’ offensive system and is viewed as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL.
Regardless of who the Cowboys target, it’s clear that the next head coach must be able to instill a sense of consistency and accountability throughout the team. The pressure will be on Jerry Jones and the front office to make the right decision, as the Cowboys’ championship window is still open, but closing fast.
Why the Cowboys Must Draft a Running Back Early in 2025
The Cowboys’ offense has been an elite unit for several years, largely due to the play of quarterback Dak Prescott and the receiving trio of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandon Cooks. However, one area where the team has consistently fallen short is in the running game. While Tony Pollard is an explosive playmaker, he is more of a complementary back than a true lead running back. As the Cowboys look to build a more balanced offense, it is clear that they need to invest in a top-tier running back who can carry the load and create an even more dynamic offensive attack.
The Case for a True Workhorse Back
In today’s NFL, teams are moving away from the traditional workhorse running back model in favor of committee-based backfields. However, there is still immense value in having a lead back who can consistently move the chains and handle 20+ carries per game. While Pollard is a talented player, he is not built to handle the full load over an entire season. His explosiveness makes him a perfect fit for a change-of-pace back, but the Cowboys need a back who can pound the rock and wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game.
Additionally, a strong running game will take pressure off of Dak Prescott, especially in high-pressure games or late in the season when the weather conditions may make passing more difficult. The Cowboys have seen the importance of having a balanced attack, and a physical, playmaking running back would give them the ability to control the clock, shorten games, and keep opposing defenses on their heels.
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature several high-caliber running backs, and the Cowboys must use their early picks to select one of these potential game-changers. Given the current state of the Cowboys’ roster, adding a top-tier running back would elevate the offense to new heights and give them a balanced, unpredictable attack that could rival the league’s best.
Top Running Backs in the 2025 Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to have a number of talented running backs available, and the Cowboys would be wise to target one of them. Here are a few running backs to watch:
- Braelon Allen (Wisconsin): Allen is one of the most physically gifted running backs in the draft. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 235 pounds, he has the size and power to be a true workhorse. He’s a downhill runner with impressive speed and agility for his size. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him an ideal candidate to help balance the Cowboys’ offense.
- Javion Cohen (Georgia): Cohen has been one of the most consistent and productive backs in college football over the past few seasons. He has excellent vision, speed, and elusiveness in the open field. His ability to make defenders miss and gain yardage after the catch would make him an excellent complement to Pollard in a two-back system.
- Devin Neal (Kansas): Neal has a well-rounded skill set and has shown the ability to make an impact in both the running and passing game. He has excellent speed, can break tackles, and is a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. Neal would be an immediate contributor to the Cowboys’ offense and could thrive as a lead back.
These running backs have the skill set to come in and contribute immediately, offering the Cowboys a chance to solidify their running game for years to come.
The Importance of Drafting a Running Back Early
Given the Cowboys’ position in the NFC and the competitive nature of their division, adding a top running back early in the 2025 draft is essential. By doing so, the Cowboys would create a more dynamic offense that is capable of dominating both in the air and on the ground. A workhorse running back would help take pressure off Dak Prescott, balance the offensive attack, and give the Cowboys an edge in high-pressure moments. Additionally, with the NFC East being one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, having a well-rounded offense will be crucial for playoff success.
Conclusion
As the Dallas Cowboys look toward the 2025 season, the team is faced with several important decisions. One of the most pressing issues is the future of head coach Mike McCarthy. If Jerry Jones decides to move on, the Cowboys will need to make a smart choice for their next leader, one who can bring consistency and discipline to a team that is brimming with talent. The other crucial need is for the Cowboys to address their running back position in the upcoming draft. By selecting a true lead back early in the draft, the Cowboys can balance their offense and take the next step toward a Super Bowl championship. With the right coaching hire and roster moves, the Cowboys could be primed for a deep playoff run in 2025.
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