The Dallas Cowboys are facing a difficult reality as the 2024 NFL season moves into Week 10. With a disappointing 3-5 record and Dak Prescott sidelined due to injury, the writing seems to be on the wall for head coach Mike McCarthy. His contract is set to expire after this season, and with Jerry Jones already declining to offer an extension, it’s looking like McCarthy’s time in Dallas is coming to an end.
As Cowboys fans begin to look ahead, speculation around McCarthy’s potential replacement is heating up. Names like Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have been mentioned as top candidates. But while these names excite fans, one key issue stands in the way: Jerry Jones’ reluctance to spend big on a head coach.
Jerry Jones’ Reluctance to Break the Bank
Ben Johnson, widely seen as a rising star in coaching, is at the top of many fans’ wish lists. However, his price tag could be a major stumbling block. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that Johnson could demand a $15 million salary to leave Detroit and take on a head coaching role. This figure is in line with the salaries of some of the NFL’s top coaches, including Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean McVay, who all make over $15 million per year.
Currently, McCarthy is earning a relatively modest $4 million per year, placing him in the middle tier of NFL head coaches. The idea of Jerry Jones tripling that salary to bring in a first-time head coach like Johnson seems highly unlikely, especially given Jones’ well-known focus on making money rather than spending it.
Can the Cowboys Afford to Get Left Behind?
This penny-pinching approach could have long-term consequences for the Cowboys. As other teams are willing to pay top dollar to secure elite head coaches, Dallas risks being left behind in the search for the next great leader. The team’s recent struggles and potential for a rebuilding phase only add to the pressure on Jones to make a bold move.
But with Jones more interested in maintaining a profitable business than winning a Super Bowl, it’s hard to imagine him making the necessary financial commitment to hire an elite head coach. This could severely limit the Cowboys’ options and leave them stuck with a less-than-ideal replacement for McCarthy, further prolonging their Super Bowl drought.
The Cowboys’ next head coach will likely play a critical role in shaping the team’s future. But with Jerry Jones’ reluctance to spend big, it seems the franchise could be limiting its options and potentially missing out on the chance to land a top-tier leader for the job.
