Who’s next in line if 2024 marks McCarthy’s exit?
It’s reasonable to think that Mike McCarthy’s only chance of staying is if he leads the team to the Super Bowl—or even wins it. This scenario also assumes he won’t choose to leave after five tumultuous years.
Given some of his expressions during press conferences this season, he might be ready to move on from the Jerry Jones drama.
Could anyone blame him?
This speculation leads to the question: if McCarthy does step down, who will be the 10th head coach in Dallas Cowboys history?
The Early Favorite
Bill Belichick’s name frequently arises as a potential successor. Some even suggest firing McCarthy now to bring in the Patriots’ legendary coach.
Belichick boasts an impressive resume, including six Super Bowl titles.
However, he’s also 72 years old.
For perspective, Tom Landry was 74 when he last coached the Cowboys, and his final seasons were marked by losing records.
The game had clearly outpaced Landry.
Belichick’s recent seasons in New England have mirrored that decline. So, he isn’t the solution.
Bill Parcells was 62 when he joined Dallas and had three winning seasons over four years before retiring at 66.
In essence, the Cowboys need to avoid hiring another retread. They also should not hire a coach favored by Jones.
Just Say No
Jones has historically surrounded himself with yes-men, a trend that has only worsened over the years.
Since his remark that “500 coaches could coach the Cowboys,” Jones has sought one who could manage the players he personally chose.
Barry Switzer won his Super Bowl with Jimmy Johnson’s roster, suggesting the third title was achieved in spite of Switzer.
He was the first yes-man under Jones.
Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, and Mike McCarthy have all fit this mold. Even Parcells was considered a yes-man by the end of his tenure.
For nearly 30 years, Jones has tried to assert his role in the Cowboys’ success while failing to see his own shortcomings.
This pattern is why the Cowboys continue to underperform.
What the Cowboys Need
Recent social media comments emphasize that as long as Jones owns the team and serves as GM, the status quo will persist.
Having just turned 82, one can only hope the era will end eventually.
Unfortunately, this likely means several more seasons with GM Jones at the helm.
The Cowboys need a general manager who understands how to construct a championship-caliber team—someone who knows when to make smart trades and signings rather than relying on low-cost options.
A capable GM should also manage the salary cap effectively, avoiding overpaying underperforming players.
This individual must hire innovative coaches who can adapt and maximize player performance weekly.
This is the pathway to securing a sixth Lombardi trophy for Dallas.
The Future on One Cowboys Way
If this season falters and McCarthy departs, it will be intriguing to see Jones’s next move.
Will he repeat the same pattern that has yielded nearly 30 years of disappointment?
Or will he finally realize that the Cowboys can’t achieve Super Bowl success without stepping back?
We’ll discover the answer in a few months.
