Cowboys Narrow Down Head Coach Search as Other Teams Hire Top Candidates
As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crucial juncture in their franchise history. After several seasons of playoff appearances but early exits, the pressure on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ management to make a decisive move toward a Super Bowl championship has never been higher. The franchise’s recent coaching changes have raised questions about whether head coach Mike McCarthy can lead the Cowboys to their next level of success, but with an underwhelming postseason performance in 2023 and consistent struggles against top-tier teams, the organization is now faced with a challenging decision: Do they stick with McCarthy, or do they make a bold change at the top?
As the Cowboys’ coaching search intensifies, the team finds itself in a rapidly evolving landscape where other franchises have already secured high-profile head coaching candidates. The competition is fierce, and the Cowboys’ search must be both swift and strategic. While several top coaching candidates have already been scooped up by other organizations, Dallas is narrowing its focus and aiming to hire a coach who can capitalize on the team’s impressive roster, deliver immediate success, and finally break the franchise’s 30-year Super Bowl drought.
In this article, we will explore the state of the Cowboys’ head coaching search, the candidates in play, and how the franchise must navigate the competitive landscape to secure the best possible leader for the team. We will also examine the impact that the decisions of other NFL teams have had on the Cowboys’ strategy and why the pressure is mounting for Jerry Jones to make the right hire.
The Current State of the Cowboys’ Coaching Situation
Mike McCarthy’s tenure as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has been marked by a combination of regular-season success and playoff disappointment. Hired in 2020 to replace Jason Garrett, McCarthy was tasked with taking a talented Cowboys roster to new heights. While the Cowboys have consistently made the playoffs under McCarthy, they have yet to make it past the NFC Divisional Round, leading to growing frustration among fans and analysts alike. In particular, McCarthy’s game management and playcalling in high-pressure situations have been heavily criticized.
The Cowboys’ ownership, led by Jerry Jones, is under immense pressure to bring the franchise back to the Super Bowl. The team has one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Dak Prescott, a defense that includes one of the league’s most dominant pass-rushers in Micah Parsons, and a solid supporting cast. Despite these advantages, the Cowboys have fallen short of championship contention year after year. Jones, who is known for his hands-on ownership style, is no stranger to making big moves to turn the team around. Now, the question is whether he will pull the trigger on a coaching change or stick with McCarthy for another year.
As rumors swirl and speculation mounts, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are closely evaluating their options and are prepared to make a move if they believe it will improve the team’s chances of winning a championship.
How Other Teams’ Coaching Hires Impact the Cowboys’ Search
The 2025 offseason has already seen several NFL teams making bold moves to address their coaching needs. Some of the most coveted candidates on the coaching market have already been hired by other franchises, narrowing the pool of potential head coaches for the Cowboys. As the Cowboys finalize their search, they must consider how these hires impact their strategy and the timeline for bringing in a new leader.
For example, Sean Payton, one of the most successful and sought-after head coaches in recent NFL history, was hired by the Los Angeles Rams to replace Sean McVay after McVay stepped down following a disappointing season. Payton’s success with the New Orleans Saints, including a Super Bowl victory, made him a prime candidate for multiple teams looking to improve their coaching staff. Payton’s move to the Rams has undoubtedly affected the Cowboys’ search, as he was viewed by many as one of the top potential candidates to replace McCarthy in Dallas. With Payton off the board, the Cowboys have to look elsewhere for a head coach who can bring the same level of success to the team.
Similarly, Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, was reportedly a candidate for head coaching positions in other NFL cities. Quinn, who led the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance and has helped elevate the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s top units, was considered an internal candidate for the Cowboys’ head coach position. However, Quinn has now been hired by the Chicago Bears, leaving the Cowboys with a tough decision about whether to continue with McCarthy or to promote Quinn from within.
As other teams make their hires, the Cowboys are running out of time to secure their first-choice candidate. The window to make a change is closing fast, and the team must act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on a high-quality head coach.
Top Candidates for the Cowboys’ Head Coaching Job
With some of the top names already off the board, the Cowboys are left to narrow down their list of potential candidates. While the field may be smaller, there are still several strong options that could be a good fit for the franchise. The following candidates are among the top names to consider for the Cowboys’ head coaching job.
1. Kellen Moore
One of the most logical internal candidates for the Cowboys is Kellen Moore, who currently serves as the team’s offensive coordinator. Moore, 35, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in football and has been responsible for overseeing one of the league’s most potent offenses in recent years. Under Moore’s direction, the Cowboys’ offense has consistently ranked among the top in the league in passing and scoring.
Although Moore has limited experience as a head coach, he is highly regarded for his creativity, playcalling, and ability to develop quarterbacks. His relationship with Dak Prescott is a significant asset, as Moore has helped Prescott reach new heights as a passer. Given Moore’s understanding of the Cowboys’ system and personnel, he could provide a seamless transition if the team decides to go in a new direction. Additionally, Moore’s reputation as an innovative offensive mind could help take the Cowboys’ offense to the next level.
The downside to hiring Moore is his lack of experience in a head coaching role. While he has been highly successful as an offensive coordinator, leading a team as a head coach requires a different skill set, particularly when it comes to game management, leadership, and decision-making in high-pressure situations. Nonetheless, Moore’s potential makes him a strong candidate for the job.
2. Dan Quinn
With Dan Quinn now off the board after being hired by the Chicago Bears, the Cowboys will have to look elsewhere if they want a new defensive-minded head coach. Quinn, who has been instrumental in revamping the Cowboys’ defense since joining the team in 2021, was one of the top candidates for the head coach position. His success as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance, combined with his work with the Cowboys’ defense, made him an attractive option for the job.
While Quinn would have been a great choice, the Cowboys must now focus on finding a coach with similar leadership qualities and defensive prowess. If the team decides to hire a defensive-minded head coach, the next step will be to find someone with experience in managing both sides of the ball while maintaining the culture of winning.
3. Jim Harbaugh
Another coach who has been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for the Cowboys’ job is Jim Harbaugh, who has enjoyed tremendous success as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh has a strong NFL background, having led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance during his time in the Bay Area. Known for his intensity, leadership, and focus on discipline, Harbaugh would bring a no-nonsense approach to the Cowboys’ locker room.
While Harbaugh has expressed his love for coaching in college, the NFL is always an alluring destination for a coach of his caliber. The Cowboys could be an ideal landing spot for Harbaugh, who thrives in high-pressure situations and would relish the opportunity to work with an elite quarterback like Dak Prescott. His experience in both the college and professional ranks makes him a compelling option for Dallas.
4. Eric Bieniemy
Another name that has gained momentum in recent years is Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy has worked under Andy Reid and played a major role in developing one of the NFL’s most potent offenses in Kansas City. His experience with Patrick Mahomes and leading an elite offense makes him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys.
While Bieniemy has faced criticism for not securing a head coaching job despite his success in Kansas City, many believe he is ready for a leadership role. With his understanding of offensive football, along with his potential to develop Dak Prescott into an even more dangerous quarterback, Bieniemy could be an ideal fit for the Cowboys.
Conclusion: The Pressure is On
As other NFL teams make their head coaching hires, the Cowboys are under increasing pressure to secure the right leader for their franchise. With a talented roster led by Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, the team has the pieces in place to compete for a Super Bowl—but the right head coach could be the missing link.
The clock is ticking, and with other teams securing top candidates, Jerry Jones must make a decisive and timely move. Whether it’s promoting Kellen Moore, taking a chance on Jim Harbaugh, or finding a new direction with Eric Bieniemy, the Cowboys must act swiftly to ensure they don’t miss out on the opportunity to hire their next great head coach. The franchise’s future depends on it.
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