Who will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys? This question looms large in the Texas sports world, and fans may soon have their answer.
Reports suggest that Brian Schottenheimer, the current Cowboys offensive coordinator, is emerging as the frontrunner for the job. This development follows the departure of former head coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract expired after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024. McCarthy’s tenure included three consecutive playoff berths, but last season’s struggles marked a sharp decline, ending his time in Dallas.
Schottenheimer recently completed a second interview with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, fueling speculation that he could be the top candidate. The son of legendary NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian boasts an impressive 26 years of NFL coaching experience, including 14 seasons as an offensive coordinator. His Dallas offense in 2023 was one of the league’s best, finishing in the top five for total yards and leading the NFL in points scored. Despite his wealth of experience, Schottenheimer has never held a head coaching position in the league, a fact that may give some pause.
However, Schottenheimer isn’t the only name in contention. Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who won a Super Bowl with the team, reportedly met with Jones about the position. Carroll’s championship pedigree could make him an intriguing option.
Two Cowboys legends have also been linked to the job. Deion Sanders, currently the head coach at the University of Colorado, had preliminary discussions with the Cowboys. Sanders’ connection to Dallas, where he played five of his 14 NFL seasons, makes him a fan favorite. Similarly, Jason Witten, the legendary Cowboys tight end, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Witten is currently the head coach at Argyle Liberty Christian School, and while he lacks NFL coaching experience, his deep ties to the franchise could work in his favor.
Other names include Kellen Moore, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator and former Cowboys assistant, and Leslie Frazier, assistant head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was also interviewed, but he is reportedly heading to the San Francisco 49ers.
Whoever takes the job will face significant pressure to deliver results. The Cowboys have not reached the NFC Championship game since 1995, the longest drought in the conference. Adding insult to injury, NFC East rivals like the Eagles and Commanders have recently enjoyed postseason success. For the Cowboys, a return to glory has never been more urgent, and the next head coach will have to meet those lofty expectations head-on.