Dallas Cowboys’ Head Coaching Future: Who’s In the Running?

The future of the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach position is one of the biggest talking points heading into the NFL playoffs. Owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy have had discussions about what lies ahead, and while McCarthy seems to be in a favorable position, the front office has declined the Chicago Bears’ request for an interview with him. Amidst this uncertainty, the Cowboys are evaluating a list of potential coaching candidates, exploring a wide range of options for the future. Here’s a breakdown of who could realistically be in the running for the job, as well as some fan favorites and a few surprise candidates.

Realistic Head Coach Candidates for the Cowboys

When it comes to hiring a head coach, the Dallas Cowboys typically look for candidates who have either experience with the team or significant head coaching experience elsewhere. The front office values leadership and a proven track record, which means they’re unlikely to go for rising coordinators with no experience in a head coaching role. Here’s a look at the most realistic options.

• Mike McCarthy: It may seem strange to include McCarthy as a “candidate,” but given the ongoing discussions about his future, he remains firmly in the running. While the Cowboys seem inclined to keep him, McCarthy may be enticed by offers elsewhere. If he feels the Cowboys are offering him a low-ball deal, he might not hesitate to explore other opportunities.
• Mike Vrabel: Former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel is known for building tough, physical teams. If the Cowboys want a coach who can establish a dominant, hard-hitting style of play, Vrabel might be their man. However, his strong personality and history of wanting full control over his team could present some challenges with the Cowboys’ front office.
• Ron Rivera: A defensive-minded coach who has a wealth of experience, Rivera has previously been interviewed by the Cowboys for the defensive coordinator position. His familiarity with the Cowboys could make him a strong candidate, especially for a team looking for a seasoned leader.
• Kellen Moore: Moore, currently the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, has strong ties to the Cowboys, having worked his way up through the organization. He’s still considered a future head coach in NFL circles, and if the timing is right, a reunion with Dallas might be in the cards.
• Jon Gruden: Gruden’s name often surfaces during coaching searches due to his Super Bowl pedigree. While the 2021 email scandal has cast a shadow over his career, if the Cowboys are willing to overlook that, they may see value in his experience and leadership.
• Robert Saleh: Known for his work as a defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan, Saleh brings a well-rounded coaching philosophy. While his play-calling is primarily defense-focused, his offensive coordinator hire would likely be key to making his candidacy appealing to Cowboys fans.
• Jason Witten: Witten’s name often comes up as a potential head coach despite having no NFL coaching experience. However, Jerry Jones has expressed faith in Witten’s leadership abilities. While hiring Witten would be a bold move, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for the Cowboys.

Fan-Favorite Coaching Candidates

While the Cowboys have a history of prioritizing experience, the fans have their own list of ideal candidates. These coaches are primarily offensive-minded and could give the Cowboys an edge on Sundays, an important consideration for fans eager for a more dynamic and effective offense.

• Ben Johnson: Johnson has garnered attention for his creative and effective offensive play-calling. He’s the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and is viewed as one of the most promising up-and-coming coaches in the league. Although there may be a bidding war for his services, he’s a strong candidate if the Cowboys are willing to commit.
• Todd Monken: Monken is known for his creative and effective run game, and he’s helped build successful offenses in both Georgia and Baltimore. His ability to get the most out of his players makes him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys.
• Joe Brady: Brady was the architect behind LSU’s National Championship offense and has been instrumental in building a solid running game for the Buffalo Bills. His versatility and offensive knowledge make him a popular choice among fans.
• Liam Coen: Coen has done a remarkable job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the team to exceed expectations with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. With experience under Sean McVay, Coen could bring a fresh perspective to the Cowboys’ offense.
• Kliff Kingsbury: Kingsbury’s creativity and offensive mind are appealing, though his previous stint as a head coach was less than stellar. However, his time learning from Dan Quinn in Washington has shaped his approach, and he could be a great fit for the Cowboys’ offensive needs.

Surprise Candidates Who Check Both Boxes

Finally, there are a couple of candidates who tick both the experience box and the fan-preferred offensive play-calling box. These coaches could bring the best of both worlds to the Cowboys’ coaching staff.

• Brian Flores: Known for his defensive prowess, Flores may not be the offensive-minded coach fans crave, but he’s proven to be excellent at designing versatile and adaptive defenses. With head coaching experience, Flores could help the Cowboys build a solid, all-around team.
• Wes Phillips: A surprising candidate, Phillips has deep ties to Dallas, having worked with the team between 2007 and 2013. As the current offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, Phillips has helped orchestrate a high-powered offense. His experience in both the Cowboys’ system and the McVay coaching tree makes him an interesting option.

Conclusion

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to evaluate their future at head coach, it’s clear that there are many potential candidates to consider. From experienced head coaches like Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera to fan favorites like Ben Johnson and Todd Monken, the Cowboys have a lot of options at their disposal. While McCarthy still holds the edge as the current head coach, the front office is leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the next chapter in their quest for a Super Bowl championship. The future of the Cowboys is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team has no shortage of coaching talent to choose from.