Cowboys Miss Out on Top Head Coaching Candidates Amid Lackluster Search
Following their decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a head coaching search that has been widely criticized for its lack of ambition. Despite the importance of this decision, the team has only interviewed a modest slate of candidates, including Robert Saleh, Leslie Frazier, Kellen Moore, and Brian Schottenheimer. Surprisingly, the Cowboys have failed to engage with several of the most sought-after candidates available this offseason.
Two standout names in the coaching market, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, were among the hottest prospects this offseason. Johnson, who served as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, was considered a top-tier candidate and recently secured the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, effectively removing one of the most coveted options from contention. Similarly, Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, has now accepted the head coaching role with the New York Jets, marking yet another missed opportunity for the Cowboys.
What is particularly puzzling is the Cowboys’ apparent lack of interest in Glenn, despite his strong credentials and ties to the organization. Glenn, a former NFL cornerback, previously played under legendary head coach Bill Parcells during his time in Dallas. Given his familiarity with the franchise and its culture, it seemed logical for the Cowboys to at least consider him as a candidate. However, the team never reached out to Glenn for an interview.
NFL analyst Bryan Broaddus even suggested that if Glenn had been given the opportunity to interview, he might have been able to sway team owner Jerry Jones into hiring him. Unfortunately, that scenario never materialized, as the Cowboys appear fixated on promoting from within. Brian Schottenheimer, who has spent the last three seasons as part of the Cowboys’ staff, seems to be the frontrunner for the position.
Jones’ decision to prioritize continuity over innovation is notable, especially given the current state of the team. With the Cowboys’ starting quarterback nearing 32 years of age, some argue that the organization should be exploring bold new directions to maximize its window of opportunity. Instead, Jones appears determined to maintain stability, perhaps at the expense of pursuing fresh perspectives or taking calculated risks.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ reluctance to engage with top-tier candidates like Johnson and Glenn raises questions about their approach to this critical juncture. By overlooking some of the most promising coaches on the market, the team may have missed a chance to inject new life into the organization and position themselves for greater success in the future.
