2025 Dallas Cowboys Coaching Staff: A Reunion of Former Stars?
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads following the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy, sparking intense speculation among fans and media. The central question: who will compose the Cowboys’ coaching staff in 2025?
As the search for new leadership unfolds, owner Jerry Jones has taken an unusually active role in interviews and planning, even for positions typically left to the head coach. With every passing day, new leaks and rumors provide glimpses into Jones’ strategy, revealing a potential trend: the organization appears eager to bring back former players to fill key coaching roles.
Here’s an in-depth look at four former Cowboys who could make their way back to the team in coaching capacities.
Kellen Moore: Former Quarterback Could Lead the Charge
Kellen Moore is the frontrunner for the head coaching position, making him a pivotal figure in this speculation. Moore, who previously served as the Cowboys’ backup quarterback, assistant coach, and offensive coordinator, recently completed an interview with the Dallas front office.
After his departure in 2022, Moore revitalized his career by leading the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense in 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his exceptional football IQ during his playing days, Moore transitioned seamlessly into coaching, amassing seven years of NFL experience by the age of 36.
While Moore’s candidacy excites some, it also raises concerns among fans wary of repeating the Jason Garrett era—a coach promoted from within who failed to lead the team to playoff success. Despite the parallels, Moore’s potential as a head coach remains untested until he assumes full control of a team.
Deion Sanders: The Return of “Prime Time”?
For fans seeking a dramatic departure from the status quo, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is an intriguing alternative. Sanders, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” has gained attention for his remarkable success at Jackson State and Colorado, transforming both programs into competitive powerhouses.
Sanders’ magnetic personality, strong ties to the Jones family, and proven ability to develop talent make him a compelling candidate for the Cowboys’ head coaching job. Although initial rumors suggested the connection was a media ploy or leverage for Sanders’ contract negotiations in Colorado, momentum has grown, with Sanders emerging as a legitimate contender.
Hiring Sanders would undoubtedly generate media buzz and financial gain for the Cowboys, but it could also bring a fresh, dynamic approach to a franchise in need of revitalization. His charisma and innovative mindset may be exactly what Dallas needs to break free from years of underachievement.
Jason Witten: The Heir Apparent?
Cowboys legend Jason Witten is another name making the rounds, albeit in a more unconventional way. Currently the head coach of Liberty Christian High School in Texas, Witten has already achieved significant success, leading his team to two state championships.
Jones has previously hinted at Witten’s potential as a future Cowboys head coach, sparking speculation about his return to the franchise. However, Witten’s immediate role would likely be as an assistant coach, allowing him to gain NFL experience before eventually ascending to the head coaching position.
While the prospect of grooming Witten as a successor might appeal to Jones, it could deter top candidates from taking the current head coach job, knowing their tenure might be limited. Striking the right balance will be crucial if the Cowboys decide to bring Witten back into the fold.
DeMarco Murray: A Rising Star in Coaching
Former Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is also on the radar for a potential coaching position. Since retiring from the NFL, Murray has built an impressive résumé as a college coach, currently serving as the running backs coach at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma.
At just 36 years old, Murray is considered a rising star in the coaching world, and joining the Cowboys’ staff would mark his first foray into the NFL as a coach. However, questions linger about the timing of these decisions. Typically, assistant coaching positions are filled after a head coach is hired, raising concerns about Jones’ influence over staffing decisions.
If Murray joins the Cowboys, it could signal a shift toward integrating former players into the organization’s coaching framework, but it also underscores the challenges of balancing ownership involvement with the autonomy of incoming leadership.
A New Era or More of the Same?
Jerry Jones’ apparent preference for hiring former players reflects both nostalgia and a calculated attempt to connect with the fanbase. However, this strategy carries risks, particularly if it undermines the authority of the next head coach.
While it seems likely that at least one former Cowboy will join the coaching staff, the ultimate success of these hires will depend on their ability to deliver results on the field. Whether it’s Moore’s cerebral approach, Sanders’ dynamic leadership, Witten’s steady presence, or Murray’s potential, Dallas has intriguing options to shape its future.
Only time will tell if this approach propels the Cowboys back into contention—or keeps them stuck in the mud.
