The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy are reaching a crossroads, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This season, McCarthy is coaching in the final year of his five-year contract, and the Cowboys opted not to extend his deal before the 2024 season kicked off.
Now, after a shaky start, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: is McCarthy’s time in Dallas running out? Let’s dive into the Cowboys’ situation, Jerry Jones’ perspective, and who might replace Mike McCarthy if he’s shown the door.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Decline And Offensive Struggles
The Cowboys have had a rough start to the 2024 season, and it’s not just one issue – it’s a mix of roster choices, defensive struggles, and an inconsistent offense. With the departure of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Dallas lost a critical component, which has left their defense weakened and overly reliant on high-priced veterans. To make matters worse, the team’s tight salary cap prevented Jones from signing a solid running back, further handicapping the offense.
Dallas has also struggled to make their home-field advantage count. They’ve allowed opponents to outscore them 73-28 in the first half of their first three home games, digging themselves into holes they can’t easily climb out of. The numbers are glaring, and the Cowboys seem like a declining team. While a mid-season coaching change is unlikely, McCarthy’s seat is heating up with each loss, especially with a looming prime-time clash against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s now or never for McCarthy to turn things around – or risk being sent packing.
Jerry Jones’ Take On The Coaching Staff
Jerry Jones hasn’t held back from speaking about his team and coaching staff this season. In a recent interview on 105.3 The Fan, he fired shots at McCarthy’s play-calling and strategic decisions, saying, “We’re designing bad plays, or we’re designing bad concepts… there’s some of that but there’s also some of execution.” This critique didn’t go unnoticed by McCarthy, who replied that he and Jones talk frequently and suggested that they would review plays together. However, McCarthy defended his coaching, stating, “I don’t think we have bad concepts and bad plays. I’ll go back and check.”
Potential Candidates If Mike McCarthy Is Out
If McCarthy’s time is indeed up, Dallas has some intriguing names they could consider for his replacement. Here’s a look at the top candidates who could step into the role.
Bill Belichick
One name that’s sure to catch everyone’s attention is Bill Belichick. The legendary coach parted ways with the New England Patriots after a disappointing 2023 season and remains the most experienced option on the market. With six Super Bowl titles under his belt, Belichick could bring a stabilizing presence to Dallas. Jones and Belichick have a close relationship, making this potential match even more intriguing.
However, there’s a catch. Belichick’s post-Tom Brady tenure with the Patriots exposed issues with his team’s roster and led to a steep decline in success. Whether he would want control over Dallas’ roster is a question, but if he can focus solely on coaching, he might be the one the Cowboys need.
Lincoln Riley
Long rumored to be on Dallas’ radar, USC’s Lincoln Riley is another possible choice. Known for his offensive genius and success with college quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, Riley could inject new life into Dallas’ offense. The Texas native would bring a fresh approach to a Cowboys team in need of creativity. However, it remains uncertain if Riley will leave college coaching for the NFL, especially as USC navigates the challenging Big Ten conference.
Ben Johnson
The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, has quickly become one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL. Johnson’s offense lit up the Cowboys’ defense for 47 points in Week 6, showing his creative and aggressive style. While Dallas doesn’t have the same level of talent as Detroit, Johnson’s approach could be just what the Cowboys need. Known for his patience in finding the right fit, Johnson could be a perfect match for a Cowboys team looking to revamp its offense.
Mike Vrabel
Former Tennessee Titans head coach, Mike Vrabel has also been a popular name in coaching circles. After the Titans let him go following the 2023 season, Vrabel brings a tough, gritty mindset that could help Dallas rediscover its identity. As a former player under Belichick, Vrabel brings some of those New England philosophies but likely wouldn’t demand as much power over personnel. His track record of developing coordinators who go on to be head coaches shows his eye for talent – a quality that could benefit the Cowboys long-term.
Aaron Glenn
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn from the Detroit Lions could also be a surprising but solid choice. Known for his fiery leadership and success in transforming Detroit’s defense, Glenn has spent nearly a decade coaching after his 15-year NFL career. In a league that favors offensive-minded head coaches, Glenn’s background in defense could give Dallas an edge if they’re looking to add toughness to their team.
Will Jerry Jones Pull The Trigger On Mike McCarthy?
The Cowboys are at a critical juncture, and Jerry Jones faces a tough decision. His loyalty to Mike McCarthy may be tested if the team’s struggles continue. With Dallas underperforming, especially in front of home fans, and the playoffs looking like a long shot, Jones has to weigh the value of stability against the urgency of winning now. The Cowboys haven’t seen a Super Bowl in nearly three decades, and Jones is determined to see them back on top.
these back-and-forth comments, Jones has held off on committing to McCarthy’s future. He declined to comment when asked about a coaching change after the Week 6 loss. Known for his patience with coaches, Jones has only named nine head coaches in Cowboys history, with McCarthy being the second since 2010. But as the clock ticks on the Cowboys’ current roster window, Jones’ patience may finally be thin.
