If the Dallas Cowboys are serious, why not go after Dabo, Saban or Belichick?
Let’s cut through the muck and the mire.
If the Dallas Cowboys -- specifically Jerry Jones -- are serious about returning to NFL glory they need to bring in the best head coach possible to replace Jason Garrett.
Who could that be? There are a lot of very good football coaches out there at both the college and pro level. But there are at least five who could be called one of the greatest football coaches in the world.
All of these coaches will want total authority of the team, so Jones will have to cede some of his control. If he’s willing to do that, Jones, who turns 78 this year, could add another Super Bowl trophy to his collection.
Here’s a look at five stellar possibilities, why they are an option and why they would want the job.
1. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
What more does he have to prove at the college level? He’s won two national championships with the Tigers and is going for a third next week. He could pick his coaching job. So why not coach the most celebrated and most valuable team in the world?
2. Bill Belichick, Patriots
He’s won six Super Bowls in New England. But Tom Brady appears at the end of his career and what else does he have left to prove with the Patriots? A new challenge could energize the 67-year-old for the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career.
3. Nick Saban, Alabama
Like the others, Saban, 68, has won multiple national titles. In fact, he’s won six national championships, including five with the Crimson Tide. His bona fides are untouchable. Where has he failed? In the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. The only challenge left is winning at the pro level.
4. Urban Meyer, unattached
Meyer, 55, has won national championships at Florida and Ohio State and did it in different ways. He is on record as saying the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job is one of the most attractive in the world. Was he lobbying? Who knows, but there’s no questioning his ability run a team.
5. Sean Payton, Saints
Payton has long been cited as a natural target for the Cowboys. He was Bill Parcells’ assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach from 2003-05. He has led New Orleans to three NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl title in 2010. With Drew Brees nearing the end of his career, perhaps Payton would be ready to buy a new home in Southlake?
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 3:31 PM.
