The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly exploring high-profile candidates to replace Mike McCarthy, who was dismissed as head coach following a disappointing 7-10 season.
The team announced Monday that McCarthy would not return for a sixth year, sparking speculation about the next leader of “America’s Team.”
Naturally, there is plenty of speculation that Cowboys legend Deion Sanders may be lured out of Colorado by owner Jerry Jones.
However, another familiar name has begun circulating in Dallas.
On Monday Night Countdown before the Los Angeles Rams faced the Minnesota Vikings, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter threw a very interesting name into the ring of candidates.
“I think at some point in time, [the Dallas Cowboys] could have some level of interest in the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. … Potentially maybe Jason Witten, an all-time franchise great.” Schefter said.
Jason Witten, a beloved 11-time Pro Bowl tight end, spent 16 seasons with the Cowboys.
He etched his name in NFL history as second only to Tony Gonzalez in career receptions and receiving yards among tight ends.
After retiring in 2018, Witten briefly served as a analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football before returning to the Cowboys in 2019 for one last season.
He ended his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
Though Witten has no NFL or college coaching experience, he recently led Liberty Christian School in Texas to back-to-back high school state championships as head coach.
His success at the high school level has fueled speculation about his potential to take on a larger role.
Former Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, who succeeded Witten in ESPN’s Monday Night Football booth, also shared his perspective during Monday Night Countdown.
Aikman expressed surprise at McCarthy’s departure and offered insights into the team’s coaching situation.
According to Aikman, Kellen Moore would be a logical fit for Dallas. He noted that Moore was earmarked as McCarthy’s offensive coordinator even before the head coach was officially hired in 2020.
However, Aikman was skeptical of Scott Van Pelt’s assertion that the Cowboys’ head coaching job is “as coveted as any.”
“As far as a coveted job, I don’t know that that’s accurate,” Aikman said. “I do think the Cowboys are obviously a high-profile team. Whoever is head coach of that team is certainly going to draw a lot of attention. But I think most football people that take over as a head coach, they want to do it on their terms.”
Aikman highlighted Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell as an example of a leader who has successfully built a culture reflective of his vision.
With the search for McCarthy’s replacement underway, Dallas must decide whether to bring in an experienced NFL coach or take a chance on an unproven but familiar face like Witten or Sanders.
Either way, the decision will shape the future of the league’s most polarizing franchise.
What are your thoughts that Jason Witten could be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys???
