5 coaches the Dallas Cowboys could realistically target, 5 fan favorites, and 2 who check both boxes
The Dallas Cowboys aren't bringing back Mike McCarthy for the 2025 NFL season after the sides failed to agree to a new head coaching contract due disagreements over length of the deal.Now, the question becomes who will lead the Cowboys for years to come? Let's dive into some candidates. Who the Cowboys could realistically target All […]
The Dallas Cowboys aren't bringing back Mike McCarthy for the 2025 NFL season after the sides failed to agree to a new head coaching contract due disagreements over length of the deal.
Now, the question becomes who will lead the Cowboys for years to come?
Let's dive into some candidates.
Who the Cowboys could realistically target
All of the names on the below list meet one of two criteria: 1) Either the Cowboys are familiar with them somehow, or 2) they have previous head coaching experience. The latter is particularly important because that's who Dallas seems to be intrigued by always.
That means fans shouldn't be expecting the Cowboys to be in the mix for the likes of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or other candidates with a similar "up and coming coordinator" profile.
- Ron Rivera: Defensive-minded coach who the Cowboys interviewed to be defensive coordinator in 2024. He checks the experience boxes.
- Kellen Moore: He hasn't been a head coach just yet but the Cowboys are familiar, they groomed Moore from having him rise from backup quarterback to QB coach, and later to offensive coordinator. He still is widely seen as a future HC around league circles and the timing might be right for a reunion if Dallas wants him back.
- Jon Gruden: Experienced and his name is expected to pop up in the NFL's interview process. He's a former Super Bowl champion and if Dallas can look past the 2021 e-mail scandal, it wouldn't be a surprise if they consider him.
- Robert Saleh: Defensive-minded coach with experience and someway, somehow, the Kyle Shanahan gene minus the offensive play-calling. He'd probably bring in an offensive coordinator of that coaching tree, which could attract fans.
- Jason Witten: Zero NFL coaching experience but Jerry himself has said repeatedly he thinks Witten could do the job. It wouldn't be the franchise's best look but I could see them pulling the trigger.
Cowboys Nation's favorites
While the Cowboys focus on experience, in general, fans want an offensive play-caller who can give the team an edge on Sundays.
- Ben Johnson: I don't know what else to add. He's truly a gigantic gameday edge with his creative play-calling. He's being selective though and I'm not sure the Cowboys will be willing to enter a bidding war and I question if Johnson wants to enter Jerry World.
- Todd Monken: The thing about Monken is that the run game is creative and effective while finding ways to scheme open wide receivers consistently. He did it at Georgia and later in Baltimore.
- Joe Brady: Before Brady, the Bills offense was far from perfect despite having Josh Allen at quarterback. But the way he's built the run game to help out has been impressive. He was the passing game coordinator of the iconic LSU offense that won the National Championship with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
- Liam Coen: The Bucs have exceeded expectations with Baker Mayfield at quarterback and a large part of it has been all about Coen. He's built a solid running game and knows how to game plan for opponents on a weekly basis. He's coached under Sean McVay in the past including being his offensive coordinator in 2022.
- Kliff Kingsbury: He'll generate mixed opinions but if fans want offensive play-callers that exhibit creativity, Kingsbury could fit the bill. His first go at NFL head coaching didn't pan out great but he claims to have learned how to do the job by watching Dan Quinn in Washington, where he's the current offensive coordinator.
Two that check two boxes
- Brian Flores: Flores might not be the offensive play caller fans desire but he's fantastic at finding that gameday edge by calling the plays on defense. Gone are the days of describing him as a mad scientist blitzing coach. His units are solid and versatile and adapt to any week's opponents. Plus, he's got coaching experience, which could attract the Cowboys.
- Wes Phillips: This might be a surprise candidate for many but shoutout to @StevieJPTX for bringing it up on X. Wes Phillips, son of Wade, worked in Dallas between 2007 and 2013. The team is familiar with him. He's also part of the Shanahan/McVay tree, working from 2014-2018 in Washington before following McVay to L.A., where he was the passing game coordinator of the Rams' Super Bowl winning offense. He's currently the OC of the Vikings and they're clearly doing things the right way with Sam Darnold at QB.
