As the Dallas Cowboys navigate through the 2024 NFL season, discussions about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy continue to swirl.
While the team has shown flashes of brilliance under his leadership, there remains a sense of unmet potential, especially with a roster loaded with talent.
McCarthy’s conservative play-calling and game management decisions have come under scrutiny, leading to speculation that the Cowboys might consider making a change at the head coaching position.
Here’s an updated look at the top contenders who could replace McCarthy if the Cowboys decide to move on.
1. Dan Quinn (Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)
Dan Quinn’s name remains at the top of most lists, and for good reason. As the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Quinn has transformed their defense into one of the best in the NFL, consistently ranking among the top in takeaways and sacks.
His leadership and ability to maximize the talent of players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs have made him a beloved figure within the organization.
Quinn also has head coaching experience, having led the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016.
His previous head coaching stint ended on a sour note, but his success in Dallas and his understanding of the Cowboys’ culture make him a top candidate if the team parts ways with McCarthy.
Additionally, Quinn has turned down head coaching offers from other teams, signaling his possible interest in staying in Dallas for a bigger role.
2. Kellen Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers)
After spending several seasons as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore left Dallas in 2024 to join the Los Angeles Chargers.
Moore’s offensive schemes were often praised during his time in Dallas, where he maximized the talent of Dak Prescott and the offensive unit, leading to some explosive seasons.
Since joining the Chargers, Moore has continued to build his reputation as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the league.
His familiarity with the Cowboys’ personnel and offensive core would make him an intriguing option, particularly if Dallas wants to lean into its offensive strengths.
3. Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders)
Eric Bieniemy has been a popular name in head coaching searches for several seasons now, but he has yet to land a head coaching gig despite his contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs’ success during their Super Bowl runs.
Now with the Washington Commanders, Bieniemy is showcasing his offensive creativity, and there’s growing consensus that his time as a head coach is overdue.
His ability to elevate quarterbacks and create dynamic offenses could be appealing to the Cowboys, especially with a core group of offensive weapons.
Bieniemy’s championship pedigree and experience working with a winning culture in Kansas City would make him a strong candidate for a high-pressure franchise like Dallas.
4. DeMeco Ryans (Head Coach, Houston Texans)
Although DeMeco Ryans is a first-year head coach with the Houston Texans, his rapid rise and early success have already turned heads.
Ryans’ defensive mind was on full display during his time as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, where he built one of the most feared defenses in the league. His transition to head coach in Houston has been impressive, and his leadership qualities are evident.
While it’s highly unlikely that the Texans would part with Ryans after one season, if the Cowboys are looking for a dynamic, defensive-minded leader, Ryans could be on their radar in the long term.
5. Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines)
Jim Harbaugh has been a long-rumored candidate for NFL coaching jobs, and his success at Michigan continues to fuel speculation that he may want to return to the NFL.
Harbaugh’s track record as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, including taking the team to the Super Bowl in 2012, shows he knows how to win at the highest level.
Harbaugh brings a level of intensity and competitiveness that could mesh well with the Cowboys’ roster, and his proven ability to build winning programs might appeal to Jerry Jones as he seeks to return the franchise to its Super Bowl glory.
6. Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)
Though Sean Payton is currently off the market after taking over as the Denver Broncos’ head coach, his name always seems to come up when discussing potential Cowboys coaching candidates.
Payton’s ties to the Cowboys (he was an assistant coach under Bill Parcells) and his impressive track record in New Orleans make him a perennial favorite in coaching rumors.
However, with Payton entrenched in Denver, this scenario is unlikely in the near term. But given the unpredictability of NFL coaching careers, Payton will always be linked to the Cowboys until he wins another Super Bowl or retires for good.
7. Brian Flores (Linebackers Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Brian Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has been back in the coaching spotlight since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive staff.
Flores was praised for turning around the Dolphins’ defense during his time in Miami, and many believed his dismissal was more about internal politics than performance.
Flores’ hard-nosed, defensive-minded approach could bring a different kind of discipline and accountability to the Cowboys.
His success in leading young defenses could help the Cowboys maximize their defensive potential, which is already one of their strengths.
As the Cowboys approach the second half of the season, McCarthy’s future remains uncertain. While the team is competitive, expectations are sky-high in Dallas, and anything short of a deep playoff run could lead to a coaching change.
If that happens, Dan Quinn stands out as the most logical in-house candidate, while Kellen Moore, Eric Bieniemy, and Jim Harbaugh would bring new energy and innovative offensive philosophies to a franchise looking to reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite.
Whoever steps into the role will face immense pressure to deliver a Super Bowl for a fanbase that has been waiting since the 1990s.
