Who Will Be the Dallas Cowboys’ Next Head Coach?
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” have a rich history filled with star players, iconic moments, and championship aspirations. However, despite their storied past and being a consistent contender in the NFC, the Cowboys have not reached the pinnacle of success for nearly three decades. As we move toward the 2025 NFL season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the team is: who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?
While Mike McCarthy is currently at the helm, the Cowboys’ failure to advance past the NFC Divisional Round in recent years has led to growing speculation about his future. The Cowboys have a talented roster, and owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that he expects nothing less than a Super Bowl. With the team failing to make a deep postseason run, many believe McCarthy’s tenure could be coming to an end, despite the regular-season success the team has enjoyed under his leadership.
In this article, we will explore the potential candidates to become the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. We’ll look at factors such as coaching pedigree, familiarity with the team, and how each potential hire might fit into the Cowboys’ overall plans. The stakes are high, and the choice for the next head coach could shape the future of the franchise for years to come.
Mike McCarthy’s Status: Will He Stay or Go?
Before diving into the potential candidates for the next head coach, it’s important to take a closer look at the current situation with Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy, who replaced Jason Garrett as the Cowboys’ head coach in 2020, has had a mixed tenure in Dallas. In his first season, he led the Cowboys to a disappointing 6-10 record, but the team bounced back in 2021 with a 12-5 record and an NFC East division title. Despite the regular-season success, McCarthy’s playoff performances have been a major point of contention. In both 2021 and 2022, the Cowboys were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and in 2023, the team lost again in the same round, this time to the San Francisco 49ers.
While McCarthy’s offenses have been effective, especially with Dak Prescott at quarterback, there have been concerns about his game management and ability to make adjustments in big moments. His play-calling has been scrutinized, particularly in high-pressure situations, and his overall ability to get the most out of a talented roster has been questioned.
Jerry Jones is known for being patient with his coaches, but the window for success in Dallas is shrinking. The Cowboys have a talented roster that includes Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott, and the team’s defense is among the best in the league. With so much talent, the expectation is that the Cowboys should be contending for Super Bowls, not just playoff appearances. If McCarthy fails to deliver another deep playoff run in 2025, the likelihood of him being replaced increases.
Candidates to Replace McCarthy
If Jerry Jones decides to part ways with Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys will have several strong candidates to consider as their next head coach. From experienced former NFL head coaches to up-and-coming assistant coaches, the field is wide open. Below are some of the top names that could be on the Cowboys’ radar.
1. Sean Payton
One of the most prominent names in coaching circles is Sean Payton. After stepping down as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints following the 2021 season, Payton has been widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in NFL history. His tenure in New Orleans saw him lead the Saints to a Super Bowl victory and consistently field competitive teams with one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
Payton’s ability to design high-powered offenses and get the best out of his quarterbacks makes him a natural fit for a team like the Cowboys, who boast a franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott. Payton’s aggressive play-calling, combined with his ability to manage a game effectively, could elevate the Cowboys’ offense to new heights.
There has been speculation about Payton’s return to the NFL, and while he has been linked to multiple teams, Dallas could be an ideal landing spot. The Cowboys are an attractive option for any head coach, with their talent-laden roster, a high-profile brand, and the resources available to bring in top-tier players. Payton’s experience, success, and leadership qualities make him one of the top candidates if McCarthy is let go.
2. Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn is another strong candidate to replace Mike McCarthy, especially given his familiarity with the team. Quinn has been the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator since 2021, and he has helped transform Dallas into one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense has become a feared unit, led by star linebacker Micah Parsons. The Cowboys’ defense has excelled in multiple categories, including turnovers, pass rush, and red-zone defense.
Quinn’s experience as a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons makes him an attractive option for the Cowboys. Although his tenure in Atlanta ended with mixed results, Quinn did lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance during the 2016 season. His leadership qualities, defensive expertise, and familiarity with the Cowboys’ culture give him a strong case to be promoted to head coach.
Quinn’s success with the defense, combined with his ability to adapt and manage a team, makes him a viable candidate. If Jerry Jones is interested in maintaining continuity while making a change at the top, Quinn could be the logical choice. His focus on building a strong team culture, his leadership during high-pressure situations, and his ability to get the most out of his players are all factors that would make him an appealing hire for Dallas.
3. Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, is another candidate that could be considered for the head coaching job. Moore, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, is regarded as one of the brightest young minds in football.
Moore’s time in Dallas was marked by a high-powered offense, as he helped Dak Prescott put up impressive numbers while also getting the most out of players like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. Moore’s offensive acumen and his ability to create innovative game plans could help take the Cowboys to the next level.
Although Moore is still relatively young and lacks head coaching experience, his track record as an offensive coordinator is impressive. His ability to adapt and grow in his role would likely serve him well as a head coach. Moore’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster and system would provide a level of continuity that could be beneficial for the team.
4. Jim Harbaugh
Another intriguing possibility is Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh has been one of the most successful college football coaches in recent years, leading Michigan to multiple Big Ten championships and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Before his successful tenure at Michigan, Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, where he took the team to three NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance.
Harbaugh’s track record in the NFL and college football makes him a compelling candidate. His experience with building strong, disciplined teams and his ability to handle high-pressure situations could be a great fit for the Cowboys. Harbaugh is known for his intense focus and high expectations for his players, qualities that would resonate in a locker room full of talent.
While Harbaugh has been linked to various NFL openings, including the Cowboys, it’s unclear if he would leave Michigan. However, if Jerry Jones is looking for a head coach with a proven ability to turn a team into a perennial contender, Harbaugh’s name should be in the conversation.
5. Eric Bieniemy
One of the most highly regarded offensive coordinators in the NFL is Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders. Bieniemy has been the architect behind many of the Kansas City Chiefs’ high-powered offenses, working alongside Patrick Mahomes and leading them to multiple Super Bowls.
Bieniemy’s success in Kansas City has made him a sought-after head coaching candidate. His ability to build dynamic offenses and his experience in leading a high-profile team in a competitive division could make him a great fit for the Cowboys. Bieniemy has long been considered a top candidate for head coaching jobs, and Dallas could be the place where he finally gets his chance.
His experience working with some of the NFL’s top talent and his ability to innovate on offense would give the Cowboys a much-needed spark. Bieniemy’s experience in a successful program would give him credibility in the eyes of both players and the front office.
Conclusion: The Future of the Cowboys
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 season, the question of who will be their next head coach looms large. Whether Mike McCarthy stays or is replaced, the Cowboys have a roster full of talent and a championship window that remains open. The decision for Jerry Jones will be one of the most important in the franchise’s history. If McCarthy is let go, the next head coach will need to be someone who can bring consistency, discipline, and a clear vision to a team that has been tantalizingly close to a Super Bowl but unable to cross the finish line.
From established names like Sean Payton and Dan Quinn to the potential rise of Kellen Moore and Eric Bieniemy, the Cowboys have no shortage of viable candidates to consider. Each potential hire brings their own strengths and weaknesses, but the most important thing is that the Cowboys need a coach who can maximize the potential of the roster and, ultimately, bring the team back to the promised land of Super Bowl glory.
As Jerry Jones looks toward the future, the question remains: who will lead the Dallas Cowboys to their next great chapter? The answer will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
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