The Dallas Cowboys have finally released their decision to part ways with the head coach Mike McCarthy after five years. Unfortunately, McCarthy was fired after 2024 with the team recording a 7-10 record despite successfully getting the team into multiple playoffs and securing three back-to-back 12-win seasons (2021-2023). As McCarthy steps down the Cowboys are looking for a new leader to take the organization and team back to the Super Bowl.
Here McCarthy’s exit affairs, possible successors and the main contingencies that influence such a crucial coaching decision are in detail.
Is Mike McCarthy Leaving the Cowboys?
It is for lack of impressive team performance compounded by issues surrounding contracts that Mike McCarthy has left. Said CBS Sports, McCarthy and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could not agree over issues concerning compensation and duration of the contract.
Losing stars in 2024 also saw the Cowboys struggle, post a record that was below the .500 mark and led to McCarthy being fired. However, after McCarthy left, Jerry Jones came out to praise him in a Dallas Cowboys press release saying that he had appreciated the hard work McCarthy had put in during his time.
Which are the Favorite Contenders for the Mike McCarthy Replacement?
Since the Cowboys prepare themselves for the coaching search, there are several possible candidates that people like to see in the team. Here are some of the betting favorites for the job: From veteran NFL coaches to up-and-coming offensive geniuses.
Kellen Moore
Current Role: Philadelphia Eagles’Offensive Coordinator
Kellen Moore has history with the Cowboys team before: a player and a coach as a quarterbacks coach and an offense coordinator (2019-2022). Moore is hailed for his effective offense concepts and has background with quarterback Dak Prescott which could provide some stability to the team. For further understanding of Moore’s qualifications, visit Fox Sports.
Deion Sanders
Current Role: Head coach at Colorado Buffaloes
A Cowboys specialist, Deion Sanders is a daring and rather innovative name. His ability to reverse the fortunes of the college football team in Colorado has endeared him to fans and made him a top candidate for the Dallas slot. But in an interview with Athlon Sports, Sanders felt mixed up and said that he love Boulder and the Buffaloes.
Kliff Kingsbury
Current Role: Washington Commanders – Ofansiva Koordinator
Kingsbury played NFL head coaching for the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Texas Tech football team. Coaching the offense, it is unknown where Kingsbury fits into the Cowboys’ picture, he is known for revolutionizing the offence.
Brian Flores
Current Role: Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator.
Brian Flores who is a former head coach of the Miami Dolhins has good defensive experience and coaching administration exposure. Flores might offer the Cowboys the change of establishing a solid defense identity.
Joe Brady
Current Role: Buffalo Bills’s offence coordinator
Joe Brady is an obvious dark-horse candidate if his increasing prominence as an offensive mind is taken into account. The Times blames him for developing Josh Allen, and the innovative approach might help the Cowboys’ offense.
Should you consider internal promotion?
Another route the Cowboys may use is the promotion from within. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is perfect for this job as he already served as head coach in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings team. There is also internal option in assistant head coach Al Harris who is a well-experienced and knows everything that is going on in the team.
While less likely, Kellen Moore’s past ties to the Cowboys as a player and offensive coordinator make him an intriguing “semi-internal” option.
Deion Sanders: A Fan Favorite
Deion Sanders as already explained is arguably one of the most hyped candidates for the Cowboys’ coaching position. He has been regarded as a favourite player due to his charisma and leadership as well as organisational skills that fashioned a winning culture. Athlon Sports reported that Sanders said he enjoys the attention that Jerry Jones shows him, but still has strong affection to his college team in Colorado.
If Sanders is hiring a defensive back, his connection to Dallas as a player for a short time could be a big plus of the candidate, but his love for college football could be the reason that could make him reject the offer.
Possible Prospects as the Next Dallas Cowboy’s Head Coach
Consequently, options on the next Cowboys head coach have come into focus as people wonder about Mickey Loomis’ situation. Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates and their betting odds as reported by Fox Sports:
- Deion Sanders: +350 (Favorite)
- Kellen Moore: +450
- Kliff Kingsbury: +500
- Joe Brady: +550
- Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator): +650
Jerry Jones’ Support for the Decision
Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, will be directly involved in appointing McCarthy’s successor. Jones is not shy to make big decisions on coaching appointments or any other matter speaking of which he hired Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer who have taken the Cowboys to the Super Bowl.
Jones has been willing to taking some risks where, apart from personality, leadership and the mix of the team coaches have been given preference over the standard coaching background. This approach could mean reaching for the outside of the box options such as Sanders or going full AKRAE as Moore or Kingsbury.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
This decision is set to dictate the team’s future for a number of years specifically the Dallas Cowboys head coaching. This is due to high expectations from the fans who believe in a talented team spearheaded by Dak Prescott and the next coach will always be expected to provide immediate successes.
Other innovative such names include Deion Sanders and Kellen Moore but the history of Jerry Jones show that he is willing to make any move at all. The one to get the nod will have a team full of potential and gigantic challenge of bringing back Cowboys to the path to the Super Bowl.
For changes in the status of the coaching search, check out CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, and Dallas Cowboys’ Official Website.
Mia Trevino (She/Her) is a Records Administrator at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. A proud Humble High School alumna from Texas, she excels in managing organizational records with precision and dedication.
