The Dallas Cowboys’ tumultuous 2024 season has fueled speculation about head coach Mike McCarthy’s future. With the team sitting at 3-7 and McCarthy’s contract expiring at season’s end, the search for his potential successor has already begun.
In a recent radio interview with 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted at a few intriguing names, including former Cowboys great Jason Witten. When asked about Witten’s prospects as an NFL head coach, Jones enthusiastically responded, “Yes, without hesitation.” He likened Witten to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, another former tight end who transitioned successfully into coaching.
Witten, currently coaching at Liberty Christian High School in Texas, led his team to a state championship in 2023. Despite his accolades, the leap from high school to the NFL would be unprecedented.
Other high-profile names linked to the Cowboys include Deion Sanders, Kellen Moore, Kliff Kingsbury, and even Bill Belichick. While Sanders has gained acclaim as a college coach, and Moore continues to impress as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Jones’ penchant for headline-grabbing hires keeps the rumor mill buzzing.
One candidate emerging as a favorite is former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Known for his defensive acumen and playoff success with Tennessee, Vrabel could bring a much-needed cultural shift to Dallas. He’s also the betting favorite to land the job if McCarthy departs.
As Jones weighs his options, the speculation will only grow. With nearly three decades since their last Super Bowl appearance, the Cowboys are desperate for a leader to restore their status as perennial contenders. Whoever becomes the franchise’s seventh head coach since their last championship will face immense pressure to deliver results—and fast.
