Who should coach the Dallas Cowboys in 2025?

By Levi Coovert December 06, 2024 14:46

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With the Cowboys (5-7) struggling in 2024 and head coach Mike McCarthy's contract up at the end of the season, there are questions as to who should coach the Dallas Cowboys in the future. Here are a few of the top contenders...

Mike McCarthy

Of course, perhaps the most logical option would be to extend current head coach Mike McCarthy. He led the Cowboys to three straight 12 win seasons, two division titles and two playoff wins, including a blowout win over Tom Brady in his last game.

McCarthy also had a great run of success with the Green Bay Packers, including a Super Bowl title and overseeing multiple MVP-seasons of Aaron Rodgers. He is known as an offensive play calling genius who always knows which plays to dial up.

While 2024 has been rough, can you really blame McCarthy? Injuries to Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott derailed the season, and the team was 3-4 until Prescott's injury, right in the thick of the playoff hunt. Cooper Rush is now 2-2 as the team's starter, which isn't ideal but for a backup, McCarthy has handled the situation well.

Owner Jerry Jones has historically been in favor of keeping his coaching staff consistent, and has never been the type to overreact.

Bill Belichick

However, if the Cowboys do want to move on from McCarthy, it is undeniable that Bill Belichick would be their best replacement. Belichick parted ways with the New England Patriots last year after leading them to six Super Bowls (the most of any NFL head coach).

Belichick likely needs to coach two more seasons in the NFL if he wants to break Don Shula's record for the most regular season wins in NFL history, and although the legendary coach is now 72 years old, there's no reason to think he would not be interested should the Cowboys come calling.

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson is one of the top young play callers in the league. After rumors he was interested in taking the Washington Commanders job last offseason, Johnson opted to remain in Detroit as their offensive coordinator. But with Detroit at 12-1, atop the NFC and having the best season in team history, Johnson will again be coveted in NFL coaching circles.

Johnson has been a key factor in Jared Goff's transformation from average QB to NFL star. Goff's numbers have taken a huge leap under Johnson's play calling and schemes, and perhaps the same could happen for Prescott if Johnson were to come to Dallas. Prescott and Goff are similar molds of QB's and Prescott could find success in a similar offensive system.

Deion Sanders

This one is a bit of a wild card, but hey, why can't the Cowboys dream a little? "Prime Time" turned around the Colorado Buffaloes in two seasons, leading them from being the worst team in the Pac-12 to the fourth-place team in the Big 12. But with his star athletes Travis Hunter and his son Shedeur headed to the NFL, could Deion himself also decide to head to the big leagues?

Dallas is a big market, and Deion is a big personality. He would get the most media coverage and sell out every game, which fits right in line with Deions persona. And as a former Cowboy, it's not out of the question that he could return to his former team. Perhaps he would even bring one of his stars at Colorado with him.