Possible Replacements for Mike McCarthy Who Will Take Over as Head Coach of the Dallas

Mike McCarthy’s Job on the Line: Who Could Be the Next Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

It’s no secret that Mike McCarthy’s job is in jeopardy. With the Dallas Cowboys struggling at 3-6 and starting quarterback Dak Prescott out for the rest of the season, all eyes are on who might replace McCarthy when his five-year contract expires at the end of the year.

This situation mirrors the one that unfolded during the Jason Garrett era. Despite overseeing the most valuable franchise in the world, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has a history of not paying out coaches early. Garrett entered the 2014 season as a “lame duck” but earned a five-year extension after leading the Cowboys to a 12-4 record and an NFC East title. However, after a fourth 8-8 season in 2019, Garrett didn’t get an extension, and McCarthy is now in a similar position in the final year of his contract.

So, who could Jones turn to in 2025? Jones recently sparked speculation when asked about former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten possibly becoming a future NFL head coach. While Witten, currently coaching at Liberty Christian High School in Texas, has never coached at the NFL level, Jones sees potential in him, drawing comparisons to Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, another former tight end.

Other names being floated include Deion Sanders, who’s thriving as the head coach at Colorado, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore—who has deep ties to Dallas—and Kliff Kingsbury, the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator and former Arizona Cardinals head coach.

And then, there’s Bill Belichick. The legendary Patriots coach has long been rumored as a potential fit, though his recent struggles in New England could make the prospect less appealing.

But one name stands out above the rest: Mike Vrabel. The former Tennessee Titans head coach is a fan favorite and the betting favorite to take over in Dallas. Vrabel led the Titans to two AFC South titles and three playoff appearances in six seasons. His defensive-minded coaching style would represent a shift for the Cowboys, who have mostly cycled through offensive-minded head coaches in recent years.

With the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought now at 29 years, Vrabel could be just the spark the team needs to return to greatness.