The Dallas Cowboys are parting ways with Mike McCarthy, and one name has immediately generated buzz as the team’s search for a new head coach begins.
McCarthy’s current contract with the Cowboys is set to expire on Tuesday. The two sides had been discussing an extension, but they reportedly decided on Monday that they are not going to be able to come to an agreement.
Almost immediately after news broke that McCarthy is out in Dallas, fans started speculating that Jerry Jones and company will go after one of the hottest names on the head coach market. That would be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
BEN JOHNSON. CMON pic.twitter.com/GgfLXrwnI3
— Jahmeir D. ✭ (@JDCowboys2) January 13, 2025
Cowboys should go after Ben Johnson
— CowboysFanTalk (@Cowboys_FanTalk) January 13, 2025
The #Cowboys moving on from Mike McCarthy, I would think, means they believe they can/will get Ben Johnson — unless they're eyeing an established coach via trade
Also, I know the #Giants want to run it back and all, but they should call Mike McCarthy
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) January 13, 2025
As if my anxiety about Ben Johnson not going to the #Bears couldn’t get any worse….
Don’t think Chicago hires Mike McCarthy, but wouldn’t be shocked if the Cowboys like Ben Johnson. We all know Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to spend money….
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 13, 2025
So weird that they blocked him from interviewing last week just to not retain him, but this was overdue for the Cowboys.
Bold take: I think Jerry goes balls to the wall to bring in Ben Johnson. https://t.co/hdliAIUaGN
— Spencer Nolen (@Rollin_Nolen) January 13, 2025
We know Jones loves to make a big splash and is not afraid to spend money. We also know that Johnson has already been selective when considering head coach jobs and is expected to do the same this year.
There is no bigger head coach job in American sports than the one that is now vacant in Dallas. It would hardly be a surprise if that appealed to Johnson, especially since the Cowboys have a roster that went 12-5 three straight years before they were ravaged by injuries this season. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb both signed massive contract extensions last offseason, so Johnson would not have to worry about finding a quarterback and top wide receiver.
Johnson is said to have interest in at least one surprising head coach job, but it would not be a shock if the Cowboys moved to the top of his list.
