Cowboys narrow down head coach search as other teams hire top candidates

DALLAS – As the top two coaching candidates in the NFL, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, are hired by Chicago and New York, only four teams remain without a head coach, including the Cowboys.

No official interview requests were reported for either Johnson or Glenn. However, the Dallas front office has interviewed four potential candidates: Robert Saleh, Kellen Moore, Leslie Frazier, and Brian Schottenheimer.

There is significant buzz around Schottenheimer because, as of Wednesday afternoon, the Cowboys offensive coordinator is the only one of the four candidates set to have a second interview with Dallas.

Things will have to move quickly if the Cowboys want to retain any position coaches. Special teams coordinator John Fassel, for example, has officially accepted a job with the Tennessee Titans.

This serves as a reminder that no position coach from last year’s staff has a contract, meaning there are many unknowns and moving parts within the Cowboys coaching staff.

As the Dallas Cowboys intensify their search for a new head coach following the departure of Mike McCarthy after a disappointing 7-10 season, several candidates have emerged as potential leaders to steer the franchise back to prominence. The organization’s decision-making process is unfolding amidst a backdrop of significant coaching movements across the NFL.

Brian Schottenheimer: The Internal Candidate

Among the contenders is Brian Schottenheimer, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator under McCarthy. Schottenheimer, the son of the late coaching legend Marty Schottenheimer, brings nearly three decades of coaching experience across various NFL teams. He joined the Cowboys in 2022 as a coaching analyst and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. Despite not having head coaching experience, his familiarity with the team’s dynamics and his extensive background make him a strong internal candidate. Schottenheimer has already undergone two interviews with the Cowboys’ front office, indicating serious consideration for the role.

Pete Carroll: The Veteran Option

The Cowboys have also reached out to Pete Carroll, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll, who transitioned to an advisory role with the Seahawks in 2024 after nearly 15 seasons as head coach, boasts a Super Bowl victory and a reputation for developing Hall of Fame talent. His potential interest in returning to coaching aligns with the Cowboys’ preference for experienced leadership. Notably, Carroll has a prior working relationship with Schottenheimer, who served as his offensive coordinator in Seattle, adding an intriguing layer to the Cowboys’ deliberations.

Kellen Moore: The Familiar Face

Another name in the mix is Kellen Moore, currently the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Moore’s history with the Cowboys as a former backup quarterback, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator provides him with intimate knowledge of the organization’s culture and expectations. He recently completed a virtual interview with the Cowboys, balancing his interest in the head coaching position with his current responsibilities in Philadelphia’s postseason campaign.

Leslie Frazier: The Defensive Strategist

Leslie Frazier, serving as the assistant head coach for the Seattle Seahawks, has also been interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coaching vacancy. Frazier’s extensive defensive coaching experience, including a previous head coaching stint with the Minnesota Vikings, positions him as a candidate who could bring a disciplined and strategic approach to the Cowboys’ defense.

Deion Sanders: The Wild Card

In a more unconventional consideration, the Cowboys have had preliminary discussions with Deion Sanders, the Hall of Fame cornerback and current head coach at the University of Colorado. While no formal interview has been scheduled, Sanders’ charismatic leadership and success at the collegiate level have garnered attention. However, he has expressed a commitment to his current role in Boulder for the time being.

Jerry Jones’ Vision for the Future

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been vocal about his expectations for the team’s future. In a recent press conference introducing Schottenheimer as the new head coach, Jones acknowledged the risks involved in the hiring decision but emphasized his belief that the Cowboys are close to returning to Super Bowl contention. He addressed critiques about his comfort zone and expressed confidence in Schottenheimer’s ability to lead the team to success.

The NFL Coaching Carousel

The Cowboys’ coaching search is taking place amid a flurry of activity across the league. Notably, Pete Carroll has been appointed as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, making history as the oldest head coach ever at 73 years old. The Raiders, coming off a poor season with a 4-13 record, face significant challenges, especially in securing a reliable quarterback. Tom Brady, who owns a ten percent stake in the Raiders, will play a crucial role in finding a new quarterback after his commitments as a color commentator for Super Bowl LIX end. Brady’s insights and experience are expected to be invaluable.

Additionally, Liam Coen has officially started his role as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars with plans to create a winning culture centered around quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Coen aims to develop a dynamic and explosive offense, focusing on Lawrence’s growth and involving him in the process. With previous success as an NFL offensive coordinator, Coen intends to call plays for the Jaguars and instill a mindset of toughness and aggression in his players. His approach includes fostering a united team culture, with clear individual goals for each player. Coen’s hiring followed a complex negotiation and a significant financial deal. His vision emphasizes communication, responsibility, and a physical playstyle, seeking to transform the Jacksonville Jaguars into a competitive team.

Conclusion

As the Cowboys’ search progresses, the organization faces critical decisions that will shape its trajectory in the coming years. Balancing the desire for experienced leadership with the potential of emerging talent, the Cowboys aim to find a head coach capable of meeting the high expectations set by the franchise’s storied history. The outcome of this search will be pivotal as the Cowboys strive to return to their former glory and achieve sustained success in the NFL.