The Dallas Cowboys are once again in the midst of a coaching search, and fans are starting to feel a sense of déjà vu.

With Jerry Jones at the helm, the Cowboys’ approach to finding their next leader appears to be following a familiar script—one that has left many questioning the long-term direction of the franchise.

Jerry Jones has never shied away from making his presence felt in the decision-making process, and his hands-on style has been both praised and criticized over the years. However, this latest coaching search has reignited concerns about whether Jones’ approach is hindering the team’s ability to move forward. The Cowboys’ pursuit of a new head coach comes as they try to capitalize on a talented roster that has shown flashes of greatness but has consistently fallen short in the postseason.

The Cowboys’ coaching carousel in recent years has been marked by a reluctance to embrace outside-the-box candidates. Instead, Jones often gravitates toward familiar faces or big names with ties to the organization. This year, reports suggest that Dallas is once again focusing on candidates who fit this mold. Dan Quinn, the team’s defensive coordinator, is a strong contender, while former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore—now with the Philadelphia Eagles—has also been linked to the job.

Critics argue that this approach limits the team’s potential for growth. By prioritizing familiarity and loyalty over innovation, the Cowboys risk repeating the same mistakes that have kept them from reaching the Super Bowl since 1995. One fan on social media lamented, “It feels like Jerry’s just looking for someone he can control, not someone who can truly lead this team to the next level.”

The comparisons to past coaching searches are hard to ignore. From Jason Garrett, whose lengthy tenure was marked by mediocrity, to Mike McCarthy, whose hire was seen as a “safe” choice, the Cowboys have often opted for stability over boldness. While stability is important, it’s clear that the team needs a fresh perspective to break out of its cycle of underachievement.

As the search continues, the pressure is mounting on Jones to make a decision that will inspire confidence among the team’s passionate fanbase. The Cowboys have the talent to compete at the highest level, but finding the right coach to unlock that potential is critical. Whether Jerry Jones is willing to break the mold and take a chance on a truly transformative candidate remains to be seen. For now, the search feels like another chapter in a story Cowboys fans have seen too many times before.