Possible Head-Coaching Candidates for the Dallas Cowboys
By Ryan Ratty
At 5-5, the Cowboys sit atop of a putrid NFC East that has a combined record of 16-22. Although Dallas hasn’t been able to show any sign of consistency this season, they’re still in first place in the NFC East. Dallas has by far the most talent out of any team in their division. Star players such as Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Tyron Smith, DeMarcus Ware, Sean Lee, and Brandon Carr are on this roster. If Dallas isn’t able to win the NFC East, this should definitely be Jason Garrett’s last year in Big D.
Despite reports saying he isn’t coaching for his job, Jerry Jones is getting old and hungry for another Super Bowl ring. If Dallas is able to stay healthy, this team has enough star-power to make it to the big game. This past off-season, Jerry Jones stripped Jason Garrett of play-calling duties; this made Garrett a head-coach only. Since taking over the Cowboys after Wade Phillips’ debacle in 2010, Garrett has a career record of 26-24. This doesn’t look like Jerry Jones’ golden-boy that he claimed Garrett was. In fact, in 2008, Jerry Jones made Jason Garrett the highest-paid assistant coach in the entire NFL. Garrett is definitely on the hot seat this year. If the Cowboys flop again, he could lose his job at the end of the season.
Here are a couple of candidates who could take over for Jason Garrett:
Jon Gruden
Background:
Youngest coach to ever win a super bowl
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Career record: 95-81
This name tends to float around every year at the end of the season. Gruden’s current job is an announcer on Monday Night Football. Gruden’s “no crap” personality would make a change of philosophy in Dallas. Gruden has always brought the best out of his players.
This would be a good fit for Dallas because they would get a Super Bowl-caliber coach who knows what it takes to get it done. It would take a lot to get Gruden out of the booth, but if he does, Dallas could be a good option. It is true that Gruden may not be a good fit with a hands-on owner like Jerry Jones. But it is interesting to know that Gruden’s staff from his 2003 Super Bowl-winning team is there. When Gruden was the head coach for the Buccaneers, his offensive coordinator was Bill Callahan, his defensive coordinator was Monte Kiffin, and his special teams coordinator was Rich Bisaccia. All of these coaches are on the staff of the Dallas Cowboys today. That is something to be aware of for the future.
Brian Kelly
Background:
NFL-ready college coach who has been linked to many NFL teams
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Career record: 35-14
Brian Kelly has been linked to the Cowboys in the past. Kelly is another good coach; but he has only coached at the college level. Kelly is just a winner; plain & simple. The Cowboys may want a change of scenery at head coach, that’s why they could pick up one of the elite brains in college football. Kelly’s success has led him to future opportunities for the NFL. Jerry Jones could swoop this guy up; if Garrett is fired.
Mike Holmgren
Background:
- Super Bowl winner in 1996
- Career record: 161-111
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Holmgren is the most-likely choice for Dallas as their next head coach. It is widely known that him and Jerry Jones have an excellent relationship. It wouldn’t take much for Jones to convince him to come to Dallas; Holmgren has already expressed his interest for the Dallas Cowboys. Holmgren has been a great coach around the league dating back to his head coaching days with the Packers. Like Gruden, he has a Super Bowl-winning pedigree that can give the Cowboys a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.