The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly considering a major coaching change if they fail to make a deep playoff run this season.
Despite guiding the team to back-to-back 12-win seasons in 2021 and 2022, head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly faces potential termination if the Cowboys suffer another early postseason exit.
In the past two years, the Cowboys endured losses to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round and the Divisional Round, respectively.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, there is a consensus belief around the league that McCarthy must lead the team to a significant playoff run in order to keep his job.
“The belief around the league is Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy must make a deep run into the playoffs this season or he’ll lose his job,” Pauline stated.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Cowboys could fire Head Coach Mike McCarthy and replace him with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn if the team doesn’t make a “deep playoff run” this season, per @TonyPauline
The Cowboys have consistently been good these past few years, but can’t make it past… pic.twitter.com/StYqI8mAmS
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 4, 2023
Pauline also indicated that if McCarthy is let go, the Cowboys are prepared to promote their current defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, to the head coaching position.
“If McCarthy does not make a run deep into the playoffs and Dallas lets him go, Quinn will be hired as the head coach of the Cowboys. This is a consensus belief throughout the league,” Pauline reported.
“Whether it’s 2024 or in the near future, the overwhelming belief in the league whittles down to this – Dan Quinn is next in line to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
This is the first year with his fingerprints on the scheme/system. It was Kellen Moore before that who was apart of that Jason Garrett Scott Linehan system. Jerry Forced Mike to work with Kellen as his OC
— Freddy Stack (@FreddyStack) December 5, 2023
Owner Jerry Jones, known for his unconventional decisions regarding head coaches, has a history of making bold moves.
He famously parted ways with Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson after winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1994, citing personal disagreements.
Dan Quinn can have the defense they built…I can see it…hell Jerry fired Chan Gailey or Dave Campo after a playoff game
— cedric johnson (@digg2k6) December 5, 2023
In contrast, Jones exhibited patience with Jason Garrett, keeping him at the helm for a decade despite inconsistent results and constant end-of-season disappointments.
This is such a Jerry Jones decision
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) December 4, 2023
However, McCarthy, who succeeded Garrett, has delivered consistent regular-season success for the Cowboys.
Despite this, the growing expectations in Dallas are pushing the team to pursue a “Super Bowl or bust” mentality.
After all, Jerry isn’t getting any younger…
This isn’t suprising when he’s the worst HC in the nfl
— HurtsMVP💚 (@HurtsIsQB1) December 4, 2023
What are your thoughts on the report? … Do you think it’s true?
Should Jones fire McCarthy if Dallas doesn’t go on a deep playoff run this season?
If he does, is Quinn the right man for the job?
How about Bill Belichick???