Who are the 5 best fits to be the next Dallas Cowboys head coach?

Dallas: So, Jerry Jones is on the hunt for a new head coach for the Cowboys. He’s probably looking for someone with a solid winning record in the NFL. You know, a coach who can really boost the team’s performance and has some championship experience. Plus, it’s likely he’ll want someone he’s familiar with, someone who can handle the unique pressures of coaching the Cowboys.

Funny enough, one of the best fits might actually be Mike McCarthy, the guy he just let go. McCarthy is out there looking for a new gig, and it’s kind of ironic that he might be the perfect match for the Cowboys again. Jones is really hoping to find someone who can lead the team back to the NFC championship game, which hasn’t happened since 1995.

So, who are the top contenders? Let’s dive into five names that keep popping up, plus a few bonus options that are worth mentioning.

Bonus: Deion Sanders

There’s been some buzz about Deion Sanders and Jerry Jones being interested in each other. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but with Jones, you never know. There are doubts about whether Sanders’ coaching style would translate well to the NFL, but you can’t ignore his charisma and the turnaround he’s done at Colorado. With Jones, anything is possible, even if this hire seems unlikely.

Another bonus: Bill Belichick

Now, if the Cowboys had acted sooner, maybe Belichick would still be in the running. But he’s off to coach in college, which he’s been wanting to do. Plus, Jones isn’t keen on paying buyouts, which is surprising given the Cowboys’ worth. It wouldn’t look great for Belichick to back out of his new job so soon either. He’s a legendary coach, but this one seems like a long shot.

Yet another bonus: Jason Witten

Witten is a beloved figure in Cowboys history, but jumping from high school coaching to the NFL seems like a big leap. Jones has praised him and thinks he’ll be an NFL coach one day. Maybe he’ll be on the Cowboys’ staff in a few years, but it’s hard to see him stepping in as head coach right now. Still, with Jones, you can’t rule anything out.

Pete Carroll, former Seahawks coach

Carroll is a year older than Belichick, and some might wonder if Jones would want to hire a 73-year-old coach. But if he thinks the Cowboys are close to winning it all, he might consider it. Carroll has a solid record and a Super Bowl ring. He’s got more energy than most guys his age, and if he brings in a dynamic offensive coordinator, it could work out well.

Kellen Moore, Eagles offensive coordinator

Jones likes familiarity, and he knows Moore well from his time with the Cowboys. Moore was the offensive coordinator in Dallas before moving on to the Chargers and Eagles, where he’s done well. This could be the kind of hire Jones would make, especially since Dak Prescott is already comfortable with him.

Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator

Johnson is a hot name right now, but he doesn’t have head coaching experience, which might make Jones hesitant. Still, after so many years without a deep playoff run, maybe it’s time for a fresh approach. Johnson has done wonders with the Lions’ offense, and other teams are eyeing him too. The Cowboys should definitely consider him.

Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator

Another name from the Lions is Aaron Glenn. He played for the Cowboys and has earned respect in the league for his leadership and defensive skills. He’s done a great job as the Lions’ defensive coordinator this season, and he could be a fantastic fit for Dallas.

Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator

There are some college coaches being talked about, but the success rate for them in the NFL isn’t great. It’s been a while since Jones had success with college coaches like Jimmy Johnson. It seems more likely he’ll go for someone with NFL experience. Kingsbury had a rough time with the Cardinals, but he’s done well as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator. He’s got Texas ties, which might make him a candidate worth considering.