The Dallas Cowboys have officially initiated their search for a new head coach following their decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy. On Friday, the team conducted a virtual interview with Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. This marked the first formal step in the process of finding McCarthy’s replacement.
Moore, a familiar figure in the Cowboys organization, previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. During that time, he worked closely with franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, serving as his play-caller. Notably, Moore held this role during the first three seasons of McCarthy’s five-year tenure as head coach. However, Moore departed in 2023 to join the Los Angeles Chargers, leading McCarthy to assume the play-calling responsibilities himself.
Before transitioning into coaching, Moore was a backup quarterback for the Cowboys, serving as Prescott’s understudy in 2017. The following year, he began his coaching career as Prescott’s position coach. Currently, Moore has found success in Philadelphia, where he directs an Eagles offense featuring standout performances, including running back Saquon Barkley’s remarkable achievement of becoming the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. The Eagles are gearing up to host the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoffs on Sunday.
In addition to Moore, the Cowboys are considering other prominent candidates. They plan to interview Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier, both of whom have prior head coaching experience. Saleh, who most recently served as the New York Jets head coach, was dismissed five games into his fourth season in 2024. Meanwhile, Frazier, currently the assistant head coach for the Seattle Seahawks, previously led the Minnesota Vikings for over three seasons, showcasing his extensive coaching pedigree.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has also explored unconventional options, engaging in informal discussions with Deion Sanders. A Hall of Fame cornerback and a key figure in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1995, Sanders has garnered attention for his successful coaching stint with the Colorado Buffaloes. His potential return to Dallas, this time as a head coach, has sparked significant speculation and intrigue.
Another name generating buzz is Jason Witten, a legendary figure in Cowboys history. The 11-time Pro Bowl tight end, who holds numerous franchise records, has transitioned into coaching since retiring in 2020. Witten currently leads a private school football program in the Dallas area and is viewed as a potential dark horse candidate for the head coaching position.
As the Cowboys explore various avenues to fill their coaching vacancy, the organization’s decision will undoubtedly carry significant weight as they aim to break their long-standing playoff drought and recapture the success that has eluded them since their last Super Bowl victory nearly three decades ago.