The Dallas Cowboys are likely to hire their 10th head coach in franchise history in 2025, as Mike McCarthy’s five-year contract expires. After a disappointing 2024 season, owner and GM Jerry Jones may seek a new leader to help restore the team’s Super Bowl ambitions.
Top contenders for Cowboys’ next head coach ranked
1. Deion Sanders, Colorado Head Coach (Age: 57)
Sanders is working to lead Colorado to the 12-team College Football Playoff in his final season with the Buffaloes, with Travis Hunter and his son, Shedeur Sanders, expected to leave for the NFL. With two of the top NFL prospects departing, there’s a strong possibility Sanders could follow suit and pursue a head coaching role in Dallas to relive his Hall of Fame glory days.
If the Cowboys, currently 3-6 and without Dak Prescott for the rest of the 2024 season, manage a high enough draft pick, they could draft Hunter, and Jerry Jones, who lured Sanders to Dallas as a shutdown corner for his Super Bowl-winning teams, may see this as an opportunity to bring him back as a coach. Recent reports and speculation suggest that where there’s smoke, there’s *Prime*.
2. Bill Belichick, Former Patriots Head Coach (Age: 72)
Belichick has been frequently linked to coaching rumors, with Jones potentially looking for a more aggressive move after another disappointing season. The legendary coach, known for his hoodie-wearing persona, could be tempted to return to coaching, especially if the Cowboys offer him a compelling mix of money, power, and prestige that other teams can’t match.
The only question is whether Jones would be willing to relinquish some personnel control, or at least collaborate more closely with Belichick, the tactical GOAT.
3. Ben Johnson, Lions Offensive Coordinator (Age: 38)
Johnson has made it clear that he will be selective about his first head-coaching opportunity. His work in Detroit has been impressive, but he wants to ensure he lands in the right situation to succeed. However, taking the Cowboys job would bring immense pressure, and it’s unclear whether Johnson is willing to leave a stable and successful environment in Detroit. If Jones looks beyond Sanders or Belichick, he’ll likely push hard to get Johnson to consider the role.
4. Mike Vrabel, Former Titans Head Coach (Age: 49)
Vrabel has generated buzz for his overachievement in Tennessee, and although he’s been consulting for the Browns in 2024, his second shot at a head coaching role seems imminent. Jones cannot overlook Vrabel, even after McCarthy’s failed return to Dallas. Vrabel has a strong record of success that could make him an appealing candidate.
5. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Head Coach (Age: 49)
Where once Lincoln Riley was a fixture in Cowboys coaching rumors, now the focus has shifted to Sanders or Kiffin, a former Raiders head coach. Kiffin has grown significantly as a coach after stints at Tennessee, USC, Alabama (as OC), Florida Atlantic, and Mississippi. His time in the NFL would likely go much smoother the second time around, and his swagger could align well with Jones’ vision for revitalizing the Cowboys.
6. Brian Flores, Vikings Defensive Coordinator (Age: 43)
After losing former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, Jones may look to solidify the Cowboys’ defense with a proven leader. Flores, who has revitalized the Vikings’ defense, is eager to secure another head-coaching opportunity after his raw deal in Miami. He could be a strong fit, especially if Jones decides to return to a defensive-minded coach, as he did with Wade Phillips in 2007.
7. Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders Offensive Coordinator (Age: 45)
Kingsbury, a Texas native, has a deep connection to the Lone Star State, making him a potential candidate for the Cowboys. Having previously worked with the Cardinals and now with the Commanders, Kingsbury could bring a creative offensive style back to Dallas, filling the void left after Kellen Moore’s departure.
8. Joe Brady, Bills Offensive Coordinator (Age: 35)
While Brady is young, his impressive coaching background, including his work with Drew Brees, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, has made him a hot prospect. However, his relative lack of experience could raise concerns for Jones, who may see Brady’s upside as a long-term asset to help Prescott’s development. Despite these concerns, Brady is likely to be on any list of potential candidates for a head-coaching job.
McCarthy has compiled a 42-25 regular season record with the Cowboys, a solid .627 winning percentage, but his playoff performance—just 1-3 in the postseason—leaves much to be desired.
Given Jones’ penchant for making bold moves, it’s likely that he will pursue high-profile candidates to turn the Cowboys back into a Super Bowl contender. While McCarthy is still at the helm in Week 11, the rumors swirling suggest two familiar heavyweights are emerging as the early frontrunners for the job.
