Following the postgame blame game after the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, several names are being floated as potential replacements for head coach Mike McCarthy. While former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a popular suggestion, a few other names are also being considered.
“Some candidates seem very obvious, while others are a bit under-the-radar,” NFL writer and expert John Buhler of FanSided noted in a September 23 article listing five possible McCarthy replacements.
Mike Vrabel ‘Knows How to Build a Great Staff’
McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, and with the Cowboys sitting at 1-2 heading into Week 4, some are calling for a change.
“It becomes more apparent with each passing week that Mike McCarthy is not the long-term solution for the Dallas Cowboys at head coach,” Buhler wrote, adding, “it goes without saying that hiring him was a huge mistake. Yes, he can get his team ready during the regular season, but there has always been a clear ceiling, especially in the NFC playoffs.”
Buhler’s top pick is the under-the-radar option of former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
“Listen, I don’t care if he’s seen as a recycled head coach,” Buhler said. “Don’t be foolish. Just hire Mike Vrabel, and you’ll thank me later.”
Buhler argues that Vrabel “could be a top candidate for many marquee jobs, both in the NFL and at the college level,” mentioning Ohio State as another possibility for Vrabel if current head coach Ryan Day falls short of expectations.
Regarding the Cowboys, Buhler says, “Vrabel might be defensive-minded, but he knows how to build a strong staff. More importantly, he would emphasize a powerful running game in Dallas, which would get the best out of (Dallas Cowboys quarterback) Dak Prescott, who would thrive in that system.”
He added, “Vrabel would be the first coach I would call.”
More Mike McCarthy Replacement Ideas
Belichick is a frequent name in discussions about replacing McCarthy.
“We can debate whether or not Belichick, who will be 73 before the next season, is the right coach. What’s indisputable is that his leverage with Dallas has never been higher,” Sports Illustrated’s Randy Gurzi wrote in a September 22 feature, suggesting that Belichick might be “counting dollar signs” after the Cowboys’ loss to the Ravens.
Buhler lists Belichick as a possible candidate but ranks him No. 4.
“While Belichick, in theory, could be the kind of head coach Jerry Jones would cede power to out of respect, is that really what the Cowboys want?” Buhler asked. “Even with all of their high-profile failures in big moments, Dallas has drafted and developed players well. The Cowboys might pay a premium to keep their own talent in free agency, but team-building hasn’t been an issue.”
With that in mind, Buhler gives Belichick a “hard pass” but acknowledges that “just because I don’t love the fit doesn’t mean the Cowboys won’t consider hiring Belichick.”
Buhler also recommends looking at USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as additional McCarthy replacement options.
Multiple replacement candidates for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy are emerging.
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