Who will replace Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett? Here’s a wish list
There will be a search for a new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys sooner or later.
Owner Jerry Jones tacitly admitted as much Tuesday on his radio show in an attempt to shoot down a report from the NFL Network that the Cowboys had already met with former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.
“That’s not correct,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan. “I can confirm that it is absolutely not correct. We have not met with any coach. We have not met with any coach, not met with any.”
But he couched his statement to say that it doesn’t mean that the Cowboys are not interested in Meyer.
They have just not talked to any coaches yet.
“In answering that question, I don’t want to imply that we wouldn’t in a way that would diminish the credibility of a player or somebody you’re asking about,” Jones said.
“Normally when someone says ‘Have you met with such and such?’ ‘Are you interested in such and such?’ the implication is you’re not interested,” Jones added. “That shouldn’t be brought forward either.
“The facts are we just have not talked to any coach, potential coach in the NFL.”
In doing so, Jones seemingly acknowledged the inevitable about Garrett’s future.
He is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to get a new deal barring an unforeseen Christmas miracle like the slumping Cowboys (6-7), losers of three straight, four of the last five and seven of 10, getting on a hot streak and winning the Super Bowl.
Clarence, the guardian angel from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is not walking through that door. But Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is here to rate Garrett’s possible replacements.
Top of the Miracle Wish List
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton: Yes, Payton agreed to a five-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints in September. Has he signed it yet? And even if he has, Jerry Jones needs to at least run it up the flagpole and see how many draft picks it would take to get Payton to Dallas. Of course, the Saints would likely burn the airport down before letting him leave town.
Alabama coach Nick Saban: Saban tried the NFL once with the Dolphins and didn’t like it. He might not like working for Jerry Jones. But he has nothing left to prove in college football, and with his team out of the College Football Playoff for the first time, there is no reason not to tempt him. There is a lot of a familiarity there because of his relationship with Garrett and the many calls regarding former Alabama players. It’s unlikely, but you never know until you try.
Santa’s Best Bets
Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer: Whether or not the Cowboys have met with Meyer, he has already expressed interest in coaching the Cowboys. He is a proven winner who has shown an ability to get the best out of his players. He already has a relationship with Ezekiel Elliott. The only thing not to like is his penchant for leaving a job after a short stint. But if he takes the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, no one would care how brief his tenure was. It would be worth it.
Baylor coach Matt Rhule: Rhule is hands down the most NFL ready coach in college football. And no one has done a better job than him over the three years in turning around the former cesspool that was Baylor after the Art Briles debacle. He was already on the NFL radar last year when he turned down the Jets job because they wouldn’t let him hire his own coaches. Rule is a complete coach. He is not a one-trick pony. He is the real deal.
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley: The Jones family has reportedly had a fancy for Riley ever since he took over at Oklahoma and started spitting out Heisman Trophy winners with his creative and productive offense. He is the sexy name that Cowboys fans have been clamoring for. Imagine, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper in a Riley offense. The big question about him is his staff and who would pick the defensive coordinator.
Baltimore Ravens OC Greg Roman: What is not to like about Roman after what he is doing with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is the leading MVP candidate? He was also Colin Kaepernick’s OC when he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He would certainly get the best out of Dak Prescott.
Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy: The Andy Reid coaching tree has proven to be successful and Bienemy is the latest to blossom. He shepherded quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ rise to an MVP quarterback last year. He is also tough and will demand excellence. He is no pushover.
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer: Zimmer is signed through 2020. But he is a former Cowboys assistant that Jones regrets passing on years ago. If the Vikings don’t make the playoffs or somehow have an early exit, the Vikings might move on from Zimmer. And if so, he could fall right into the Cowboys’ lap. It’s a situation that bears watching.
New England Patriots OC Josh McDaniels: McDaniels is going to get another job at some points Excuse me, he is going take another job at some point. He was hired by the Colts two years ago but backed out to stay in New England. He left Bill Belichick and Tom Brady once before as coach of the Denver Broncos. That ended badly. He should be better the next time around after more nurturing in New England. Brady is in decline and his days are numbered. Will McDaniels finally leave the nest?
Stocking Stuffers
Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard: Richard was one of the hottest names at this point last year but his stock has fallen along with the play of the defense. But he should get an interview.
Former Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis: Lewis never won big or at all in the playoffs with the Bengals. But he was hamstrung by the cheapness of owner Mike Brown. He is a good coach who made the Bengals relevant and winners.
Former Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera: Rivera is a proven coach who took the Panthers to the Super Bowl. Jones passed on him when he hired Wade Phillips in 2007. He is worth kicking the tires on again.
San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Saleh: Saleh will be a Hot name at the end of the season for the job he has done with the 49ers defense. He is a future head coach. But it sure would help if he could bring all those first-round picks on the 49ers defensive line with him.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
