When head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys expired on January 14, so did the contracts of his assistants. McCarthy is clearly not returning, as the team was unable to reach a new agreement with him.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer reportedly has no interest in coming back to Dallas under the current circumstances, and it’s unlikely the Cowboys would want him back anyway.
Popular wide receivers coach Robert Prince is leaving for the Dolphins, while special teams coach John Fassel is headed to the Titans.
The one coach with the best chance of returning is also one who isn’t exactly favored among Cowboys fans—offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
He’s considered the frontrunner to replace McCarthy as head coach. Under Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offense ranked first in the NFL in points and fifth in yardage in 2023 but dropped to 21st in points and 17th in yardage in 2024.
However, the coach many within the organization and Cowboys fans hoped to retain—possibly with a promotion to defensive coordinator—is Al Harris, the defensive backs coach in 2024.
That won’t happen, though. On Friday, ESPN reported that Harris will become the passing game coordinator under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Cowboys Dragging Their Feet on Head Coach
Losing Harris is a significant setback, and there’s no denying it. One consequence of the Cowboys’ delay in making decisions—first with McCarthy’s future and now with choosing between Schottenheimer or other candidates—is that they’re missing out on securing top-tier assistant coaches.
Nearly two weeks ago, USA Today’s Cowboys Wire advocated for Harris to be promoted to defensive coordinator, even before naming a new head coach. The site described Harris as a “rising star in the NFL.”
“Harris has thrived under different schemes and coaching styles. He’s produced two All-Pro CBs with the Cowboys and risen to the rank of assistant head coach,” the article noted.
“His ability to communicate, develop, and motivate make him a legitimate defensive coordinator candidate in 2025, a position the Cowboys would likely need to offer the 50-year-old secondary specialist if they want to keep him in Dallas.”
Al Harris Had a Fan in Mike McCarthy
With Harris moving on, the Cowboys’ search for a head coach continues, but their pool of potential assistants is dwindling.
Harris had been a Pro Bowl cornerback in Green Bay under McCarthy, who spoke highly of him when he was promoted to assistant head coach before last season.
“Al has been such an impactful member of our coaching staff and team,” McCarthy said in an official statement at the time. “I’m looking forward to his leadership in this expanded role.
He’s a highly effective mentor and motivator, and our entire team will benefit from him taking this elevated step. Al’s dedication, teamwork, understanding of the game, and experience in developing the unique dynamics necessary to support a championship locker room are all part of his special fit for this.”
