Who Could Be the Next Head Coach of the Cowboys?
As of now, Mike McCarthy remains the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, but his future is increasingly uncertain. The team is currently on a four-game losing streak, and with Dak Prescott sidelined for the rest of the season, McCarthy’s contract is expected to expire by year’s end. This raises the question: who might step in as the next head coach for “America’s Team”?
The coaching landscape offers several intriguing candidates, with a few names rising to the top. While some fans might hope for a college coach (perhaps Deion Sanders?), Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been clear that hiring from the college ranks isn’t ideal for today’s NFL.
Here are 10 candidates to consider for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job:
Ben Johnson
Current role: Lions offensive coordinator*
The skinny: Ben Johnson has become one of the most talked-about head coaching prospects in recent years. He’s developed one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, revitalized Jared Goff’s career, and consistently outsmarts defenses with his creative game plans.
Why it’ll happen: Johnson’s name is at the top of every list. Jerry Jones has a history of going after big names, as he did when he hired McCarthy from the Panthers, and he might do the same to secure Johnson.
Why it won’t: Johnson has been selective in his career choices. He reportedly passed on the Washington Commanders’ job last year due to concerns about the team’s ownership. The question is, will he see the Cowboys as committed enough to make the jump?
Bill Belichick
Current role: TV analyst
The skinny: Bill Belichick, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, won six Super Bowls with the Patriots before a recent downturn. After leaving New England with a 29-38 record post-Tom Brady, Belichick has been in the media, showing off his deep football knowledge.
Why it’ll happen: Belichick’s fit in Dallas seems obvious. He and Jerry Jones have discussed working together in the past, and Belichick has built a strong rapport with Stephen Jones on the NFL Competition Committee.
Why it won’t: At 73 years old, Belichick’s age is a concern. Furthermore, his preference for total roster control in New England may not align with the structure in Dallas, where Jones has the final say.
Bobby Slowik
Current role: Texans offensive coordinator*
The skinny: Bobby Slowik, a former defensive assistant under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, has quickly made a name for himself as an offensive coordinator with the Texans, where he’s helped rookie C.J. Stroud shine.
Why it’ll happen: The Shanahan coaching tree is highly respected, and Slowik has already proven his abilities. His success in Houston could be the key to revitalizing the Cowboys’ offense.
Why it won’t: At 37, Slowik is still relatively young and in just his second season as an offensive coordinator. The Cowboys may want someone with more experience to take on the high-pressure role.
Aaron Glenn
Current role: Lions defensive coordinator*
The skinny: Aaron Glenn, a former star defensive back, has helped shape a strong Lions defense. He’s had multiple head coaching interviews recently and could be on the verge of landing a top job.
Why it’ll happen: Glenn is a Texas native with deep ties to the Cowboys, having played for the team under Bill Parcells. His front-office experience adds to his appeal.
Why it won’t: Glenn is committed to his role in Detroit and may not be eager to leave. Plus, his close relationship with Dan Campbell and Parcells could color his perception of what it’s like to work for Jerry Jones.
Brian Flores
Current role: Vikings defensive coordinator*
The skinny: Brian Flores gained recognition as the Dolphins’ head coach before being fired despite consecutive winning seasons. He’s since revitalized the Vikings’ defense after a stint with the Steelers.
Why it’ll happen: Flores shares some of the same qualities that made Belichick successful: grit, accountability, and experience. He’s also younger, offering a fresh perspective while still bringing leadership.
Why it won’t: Flores is currently suing the NFL over racial discrimination in hiring, which could create complications for Jerry Jones. Additionally, questions about Flores’ handling of offenses during his Dolphins tenure remain.
Liam Coen
Current role: Buccaneers offensive coordinator
The skinny: A former FCS coach, Coen worked under Sean McVay with the Rams before taking on offensive coordinator roles at Kentucky and now Tampa Bay. He’s managed to keep the Buccaneers’ offense productive despite injury setbacks.
Why it’ll happen: Coen has a strong coaching pedigree and experience in both college and the NFL. His ties to McVay make him an attractive candidate for teams seeking offensive innovation.
Why it won’t: Coen is still relatively inexperienced at just 38 years old, and his lack of years as an NFL play-caller could make the Cowboys hesitant to promote him.
Kellen Moore
Current role: Eagles offensive coordinator*
The skinny: Kellen Moore, former Cowboys quarterback and offensive coordinator, left Dallas after some friction with Mike McCarthy. He’s now flourishing with the Eagles, where his offensive strategies are once again gaining attention.
Why it’ll happen: There’s sentimental value in Moore’s potential return. Jerry Jones has always viewed Moore as a future head coach, and his success in Philadelphia could reignite interest.
Why it won’t: Moore’s exit from Dallas wasn’t entirely smooth. Tensions with McCarthy and Jones may still linger, and it’s uncertain if Moore would be open to returning under new circumstances.
Mike Vrabel
Current role: Browns consultant*
The skinny: Mike Vrabel was let go by the Titans after a successful run that included multiple playoff appearances. Known for his physical teams, Vrabel could bring a tough, no-nonsense mentality to the Cowboys.
Why it’ll happen: Vrabel’s success in Tennessee, especially with a less-than-ideal roster, makes him a solid candidate. He shares the same intensity and competitive spirit as Bill Belichick, which could be appealing to Jerry Jones.
Why it won’t: Vrabel’s offensive limitations in Tennessee, particularly with passing game creativity, could pose problems for a Cowboys team that desperately needs to modernize its offense.
Zac Robinson
Current role: Falcons offensive coordinator*
The skinny: Zac Robinson, a former quarterback at Oklahoma State, has quickly risen through the coaching ranks under Sean McVay. He’s now the Falcons’ offensive coordinator, where his implementation of McVay’s system has sparked success.
**Why it’ll happen:** Robinson’s ability to rejuvenate veteran quarterbacks and his background with McVay make him a rising star. His experience with PFF’s analytics-driven approach also aligns well with the Cowboys’ growing focus on analytics.
Why it won’t: At 37, Robinson is still in the early stages of his coaching career. With just six seasons of coaching experience, Dallas may view him as too untested for the head coach role.
Todd Monken
Current role: Ravens offensive coordinator*
The skinny: Todd Monken has built an extensive coaching career, including successful stints as both a college and NFL offensive coordinator. His work with Lamar Jackson has significantly elevated the quarterback’s play.
Why it’ll happen: Monken brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with multiple teams. He’s also been a head coach before, and his diverse offensive schemes could bring a new energy to Dallas.
Why it won’t: At 59, Monken’s age could be a concern, as the Cowboys might prefer a younger coach. Additionally, his blunt personality may not mesh well with the team’s ownership.
