The Dallas Cowboys have an opening for a head coach after Mike McCarthy’s sudden exit, and there are a plethora of potential candidates to consider. Unlike other open positions in the NFL, this one has no clear favorite to fill the job.
According to conventional wisdom, experience and a proven track record should carry significant weight, but Dallas owner/general manager Jerry Jones often follows his own beat. The franchise’s history of hiring coaches indicates a preference for a veteran with personal ties to Jones.
Considering various candidates, Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore makes sense as he has experience, a connection with the team’s franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, and a logical coaching background.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and Lions OC Ben Johnson might not be considered by Jones, however, as both have factors against them – the buyout of Sanders’ contract and Johnson’s costly hiring price tag.
Former Lions DC Aaron Glenn is an interesting option as he has achieved great success and possesses ties to Jones, despite waiting too late for an interview due to his playoff schedule with Detroit.
Additionally, Robert Saleh, who previously coached with the Jets, may be reconsidered as an option, even if he did not achieve winning records during his four-year stint in New York. His potential coaching staff would significantly impact his likelihood of succeeding with the Cowboys.
Other unconventional choices include Kliff Kingsbury from the Washington Commanders, Pete Carroll from his post-playing coaching career, Jason Witten as a former cornerstone player for the Cowboys, Jon Gruden after his dismissal as Raiders head coach, and lastly, the unlikely hire, Bill Belichick, with North Carolina and then the Tar Heels on the radar, all of whom share a different skill set.