Cowboys Face Setbacks in Coaching Search, Ben Johnson Likely Out of Reach
The Dallas Cowboys are officially on the hunt for a new head coach following their decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy after a disappointing 7-10 season. However, their quest for a replacement has hit a major roadblock, as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the most sought-after candidates on the market, is unlikely to land in Dallas.
Ben Johnson’s Stellar Track Record Draws Attention
Johnson has been instrumental in the Lions’ resurgence, leading an offense that tops the league in scoring with 33.2 points per game and ranks second in total yardage at 409.5 yards per game. His innovative play-calling and ability to maximize talent have made him a leading candidate for head coaching positions with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears.
Unfortunately for Dallas, their delayed decision on McCarthy prevented them from requesting an interview with Johnson in a timely manner, as reported by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. Even if the Cowboys wanted to pursue him now, they’ll have to wait until the Lions’ postseason run concludes.
Schefter Dismisses Johnson as a Dallas Candidate
Adding to the challenges, ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated that Johnson isn’t likely to consider Dallas a viable destination.
“I don’t expect Ben Johnson to be in play in Dallas,” Schefter said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “Jerry [Jones] has other ideas, and Ben Johnson has other ideas. He is getting a head coaching job, just not in Dallas.”
The Candidates in Play
Despite the setback with Johnson, the Cowboys are actively interviewing other candidates. Among the names on their radar are:
Kellen Moore: Currently the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Moore has previous ties to Dallas, serving as their offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. He recently interviewed with the Cowboys and remains a top contender.
Leslie Frazier: The Seahawks assistant brings experience and a defensive mindset to the table.
Robert Saleh: The former Jets head coach is another potential target, offering strong leadership credentials.
Deion Sanders: A Wild Card in the Mix
Another intriguing name linked to the Cowboys is Deion Sanders, a franchise legend who played for Dallas from 1995 to 1999. Sanders is currently thriving as the head coach at Colorado, where he recently led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season.
Reports suggest that both Jerry Jones and Sanders are interested in exploring the possibility further. According to Ed Werder, “Deion Sanders would almost certainly accept if Jerry Jones offers to make him the next Cowboys head coach.”
A Surprise Contender: Jason Witten
Another name circulating in coaching discussions is former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Although his coaching experience is limited to the high school level, Witten remains a highly respected figure in the organization and has strong ties to Jerry Jones.
A Complicated Path Forward
The Cowboys’ coaching search is far from straightforward. Losing out on a marquee candidate like Ben Johnson is a significant blow, but Dallas still has high-profile options in play. Whether it’s a seasoned NFL assistant, a college football star like Sanders, or a surprise pick like Witten, Jerry Jones will need to act decisively to find the right leader to guide the team forward.
With the Cowboys playing catch-up, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the franchise’s future direction.
