The Dallas Cowboys are currently in disarray after being dominated 41-7 by the Philadelphia Eagles and they look like a team that is clearly unmotivated.
The team needs a change in leadership, as it’s seen Mike McCarthy failing to reduce penalties (this season), win in the playoffs (last season, and not even qualifying this season) and make sound decisions overall (all seasons).
The smart move for the Cowboys would be to fire McCarthy now and begin the search for their next head coach. Here are seven head coaching candidates the Cowboys should consider.
7. Kliff Kingsbury
The idea of signing one of the most creative minds in football is even more appealing when considering that the Cowboys would be luring him away from his current role with division rival Washington.
Kliff Kingsbury’s first NFL head coaching stint with the Cardinals wasn’t particularly successful, yielding just one playoff appearance in four seasons, but it’s fair to say that he didn’t have the talent needed to fully execute his vision.
Kingsbury would bring the Cowboys an offensive approach more in tune with today’s NFL, potentially unlocking the Cowboys offense.
6. Mike Vrabel
Although Mike Vrabel didn’t finish his tenure with the Tennessee Titans on a high note, he still managed to lead the team to an AFC Championship appearance—something the Cowboys haven’t achieved since 1996.
Vrabel’s 54-45 record in Tennessee is impressive, especially given the limited talent surrounding Derrick Henry and Jeffery Simmons.
He knows how to win with a strong running game, and hiring him, along with drafting Ashton Jeanty, could be the boost the Cowboys need to get back into playoff contention.
5. Aaron Glenn
Aaron Glenn has transformed the Detroit Lions’ defense into one of the NFL’s top run-stopping units. Under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ greatest weakness has consistently been their inability to stop the run, making Glenn an intriguing candidate.
He interviewed for multiple head coaching positions last season but didn’t land a role. Given the Lions’ success this year, it’s likely his window of availability as a head coach is closing fast, as he’s almost certain to secure a head coaching job this offseason.
4. Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson is likely the most expensive and sought-after option for a head coach, making him an unlikely candidate for the Cowboys.
Even if Jerry Jones were assured that hiring Johnson for $15 million a year would guarantee at least one Super Bowl, it’s uncertain whether Jones would make the move, given how little he has paid past coaches.
It’s been a long time since Jones said, “there is no substitute for winning,” and his focus now seems more centered on yearly revenue than on winning championships.
MORE: Why the Dallas Cowboys should avoid Ben Johnson as HC candidate
3. Brian Flores
Flores is currently engaged in a discrimination lawsuit against the NFL stemming from allegations of racist hiring practices within the NFL. It seems reasonable that suit could be part of the reason he hasn’t been hired, or even interviewed, for a head coaching position since being fired from the Dolphins, and failing to land the head coaching position with the Broncos and the Giants.
Like most of the candidates on the list, he is a defensive-minded coach and has recently been helping the Vikings have their most successful regular season since 1998.
Flores has been the defensive coordinator and currently has the Vikings ranked 16th in total defensive yards allowed, 28th in passing yards allowed, and second in rushing yards allowed. The Vikings are fourth when it comes to points allowed and also fourth when it comes to defense on third down.
Flores could be the Cowboys’ saving grace when it comes to stopping the run. With the Cowboys’ elite pass rushers and elite defensive backs (when healthy), the Cowboys’ pass defense is sure to be an improvement from the Vikings’.
2. Robert Saleh
Given the Jets’ recent performance, it’s fair to say that Robert Saleh’s tenure with the team was more successful than it appeared. Although he was fired after a 2-3 start, the Jets have gone 2-9 without him, suggesting he wasn’t the main issue.
Saleh would be a strong head coaching candidate and an even better defensive coordinator, bringing the fire the Cowboys need right now. However, to succeed in Dallas, he’d need to be paired with a great offensive coordinator to make up for what he lacks on the offensive end
1. Deion Sanders
The last time Deion Sanders moved to Dallas, the Cowboys won a Super Bowl. As a former player, he understands what it means to be a Dallas Cowboy, with all the media attention and high expectations that come with it.
This experience makes him an ideal candidate for the Cowboys’ head coaching role. He’s been through the circus in Dallas and emerged victorious, bringing the mindset and work ethic the team needs to succeed.
While he’d need strong coordinators to support him, Deion could be the leader the Cowboys players look up to and rally around.
