4 Dallas Cowboys coaching candidates to replace Mike McCarthy
The Dallas Cowboys have enjoyed outstanding success in the regular season with Mike McCarthy. However, it’s been perennial disappointment with the Cowboys head coach in the NFL playoffs. It creates a need to evaluate Cowboys coaching candidates for 2024 if Jerry Jones’ team falls short once again.
While the Cowboys have an impressive win-loss record with McCarthy, they haven’t been able to get past the Divisional Round. Entering the NFL playoffs, Dallas hasn’t reached the NFC Championship Game since Jan. 14, 1996. For context, the Cowboys haven’t played in a conference title game since Keyshawn Johnson was drafted
Mike McCarthy’s record as a coach with the Dallas Cowboys is 42-25.
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Now let’s examine our Cowboys coaching prospects in the event that McCarthy is let go.
The best candidates to coach the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn
For the Dallas Cowboys, it’s now or never because the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders are all pursuing Dan Quinn. He is adored by the players, particularly Micah Parsons, the edge rusher, and his ability to turn around the defense is undeniable. One may argue that Dallas is losing its best coach if Quinn leaves for a chance to serve as head coach of another team.
While Quinn doesn’t have the track record of success as a head coach like our other top Cowboys coaching candidates, he should be the top choice for Dallas. If Jones wants to maintain defensive continuity, keep his All-Pro defenders happy and ensure there’s no drop-off in 2024 and beyond, Quinn should be the Cowboys head coach if McCarthy is fired.
The instant Mike Vrabel was let go by the Tennessee Titans, he emerged as one of the top candidates for NFL coaching. The Cowboys are the ideal place for the former New England Patriots linebacker and Super Bowl winner to lead a successful football club.
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Vrabel is reportedly interested in the Cowboys’ job if it becomes available. While reports indicate he would prefer to have some input on roster construction, circumstances could be different in Dallas. With Stephen Jones and Will McClay running the show, Vrabel could have full confidence in the front office to build one of the NFL’s best rosters and maintain it for years to come. Plus, Dallas would still allow him to still have some involvement in player evaluation.
As for what Vrabel brings to the table, he arguably could provide something the Cowboys need. While Dallas has some of the nicest facilities in pro sports and the franchise provides a fantastic atmosphere for fans, there is room to improve accountability, leadership and even discipline. Vrabel is more of a hard-nosed coach than McCarthy, but he’ll still be well-liked and trusted by players.