10 Dallas Cowboys Coaching Candidates Most Likely to Replace Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy’s tenure as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has officially come to an end. After five seasons marked by solid regular-season performances but consistent playoff shortcomings, the 61-year-old coach exits with a record of 49-35. His inability to take the team beyond the divisional round, coupled with a disappointing 7-10 finish this past season, sealed the decision.
The timing, however, poses challenges. By waiting until McCarthy’s contract expired, the Cowboys missed opportunities to engage candidates like Detroit Lions offensive and defensive coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn during the Lions’ bye week. As Dallas scrambles to find their next head coach, we’ll look at some of the top candidates generating buzz.
Robert Saleh
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It’s no surprise that the Cowboys have already scheduled an interview with Saleh this Saturday as they look to fill their head coach vacancy. Robert Saleh’s tenure as the Jets’ head coach might not have delivered the playoff success fans hoped for, but his impact on their defense was undeniable. Under Saleh, the Jets transformed from the league’s worst defense in 2021 to ranking fourth in total defense by 2022, thanks to his meticulous schemes and emphasis on fundamentals like pass coverage and situational stops. His ability to galvanize players and extract top-tier performances, even in challenging circumstances, highlights his leadership qualities.
Ben Johnson
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Under Ben Johnson’s leadership, the Detroit Lions’ offense has turned into one of the most efficient and creative units in the league. He’s taken Jared Goff—a quarterback many had written off—and helped him become a reliable and consistent presence under center. The Cowboys’ potential for a revamped offense under Johnson could be huge. That said, there’s no guarantee Johnson would be on board. He’s been cautious about where he takes his next step, reportedly prioritizing situations where he has the room to implement his vision without interference.
Kellen Moore
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Since leaving the Cowboys, Kellen Moore has had the chance to further refine his approach in new environments, including his time with the Los Angeles Chargers and now the Philadelphia Eagles. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ roster—especially Dak Prescott—adds an interesting layer to his candidacy, as he would have firsthand insight into maximizing the team’s existing talent. However, the idea of bringing Moore back might feel redundant to some. While his offensive schemes were creative, they occasionally faltered in high-pressure situations, a point of frustration for fans during his tenure as offensive coordinator. Whether Jerry Jones would revisit this chapter remains uncertain, but Moore’s trajectory suggests he’s inching closer to a head coaching role
Brian Flores
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Brian Flores has proven his ability to turn struggling defenses into formidable units, as demonstrated in his current role with the Minnesota Vikings. After inheriting one of the league’s weakest defenses, Flores implemented an aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme that vaulted Minnesota into the top ranks in defensive EPA during the 2024 season. His extensive experience under coaches like Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, and Kevin O’Connell reflects a well-rounded understanding of leadership at the highest level. For the Cowboys, Flores’ disciplined approach could address the inconsistency that has plagued their performances, particularly on defense.
Deion Sanders
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As a former Cowboys star, Sanders knows the pressures and expectations that come with the Dallas spotlight—a familiarity that could serve him well if given the reins. Reports suggest that Jerry Jones and Sanders have engaged in discussions about the open head coaching position, fueling speculation about a potential reunion. While Sanders has reportedly downplayed the rumors, his connection to Dallas and his growing coaching résumé make him an intriguing candidate. One problem: Colorado has reportedly extended Sanders a contract extension offer, despite three years remaining on his current deal.
Aaron Glenn
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Aaron Glenn has quietly turned the Detroit Lions’ defense into one of the league’s most disciplined and effective units, a feat that’s hard to overlook in today’s offensive-driven NFL. Despite key injuries, including one to standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Glenn’s defense ranked seventh in points allowed, showcasing his ability to adapt and maximize talent. With Dallas needing a steady hand to shore up its defensive consistency, Glenn’s track record of fielding top-10 defenses for three straight seasons makes him a compelling candidate. While Jerry Jones has historically favored candidates with head coaching experience, the current pool of such options is limited, making Glenn a strong contender if Jones is willing to take a calculated risk.
Kliff Kingsbury
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Kliff Kingsbury’s reputation as an offensive innovator is undeniable, but his track record as a head coach casts significant doubt on his suitability for a role as demanding as leading the Cowboys. During his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury’s teams often started strong but faltered down the stretch, with questions about his ability to adapt and manage in high-pressure situations. The Cowboys need a head coach who can deliver stability and accountability, especially in a market as scrutinized as Dallas, and Kingsbury’s history of inconsistent leadership raises serious concerns about whether he can provide what this team needs.
Joe Brady
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Joe Brady’s success at LSU and his current role with the Buffalo Bills show his knack for tailoring schemes to fit the strengths of his personnel. His analytical approach and focus on precision would pair well with an already talented offensive core and offer a long-term vision for sustained success. However, Jerry Jones has historically favored candidates with proven head coaching experience, valuing a track record of success over untested potential. With the Cowboys’ championship window narrowing, Jones may be reluctant to entrust the team’s future to a first-time head coach, no matter how promising Brady’s trajectory might seem.
Steve Sarkisian
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Adaptable and creative–that’s how we define Steve Sarkisian’s offensive approach at Texas. He’s shown he can develop talent and manage a program under pressure. Sarkisian’s NFL experience with the Falcons is another advantage that shows he understands the differences between coaching professional athletes and coaching college players.
Liam Coen
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He’s not exactly a headline-grabber, but Coen’s meticulous attention to detail and focus on fundamentals could provide the steady hand Dallas needs. In Tampa Bay, he crafted efficient offensive strategies even in the face of key injuries and kept the team competitive with smart adjustments and creative play designs.
Jason Witten
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Jason Witten is one of the most respected figures in Cowboys history. Though he’s only dipped his toes into coaching with a stint at Liberty Christian High School, his firsthand knowledge of the Cowboys’ expectations and culture makes him a compelling candidate. He knows what it takes to succeed in Dallas, both on the field and in the locker room.
Bill Belichick
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If Bill Belichick becomes available, any team with championship aspirations should consider him, and the Cowboys are no exception. His record—six Super Bowl wins with the Patriots—speaks for itself, but it’s his meticulous game management and ability to neutralize opposing strengths that truly set him apart.