Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is in the last year of his contract, and despite the team’s momentum after a Week 4 victory over their rivals, the New York Giants, speculation persists about potential replacements if Jerry Jones decides it’s time for a change. Although Bill Belichick has been a popular name among some NFL analysts, a new contender is gaining attention—one who is finding success through a strong defense.
Brian Flores is ‘One of the Hottest Coordinators’
In a September 26 article for Sporting News, Bill Bender highlights potential candidates to replace Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys’ head coach. Among the notable names is Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator. With the Vikings standing at 4-0 ahead of Week 5, Flores has garnered attention for his role in the team’s success.
Bender notes, “Flores was with the Steelers in 2022 and has become one of the top coordinators due to his impressive work with the Vikings this year.” He also mentions that Flores could be a good fit for Dallas if team owner Jerry Jones is seeking a defensive-oriented coach.
Other analysts are also taking notice. ESPN’s Dan Graziano calls Flores “the most talked-about coordinator” poised for a head coaching position next season.
“Based on his performance alone, he’s outstanding,” Graziano wrote. “The Vikings have given up only 30 points this season against the Giants, 49ers, and Texans, and Flores is being praised for his ability to disguise pressures and disrupt quarterbacks. It started last year in Minnesota, but the players have improved significantly in Year 2 of the system.”
Graziano also acknowledges the ongoing concern with Flores as a head coaching candidate, referencing his pending lawsuit against the NFL regarding racial discrimination in hiring practices.
In another piece on September 29 in *Vikings Territory*, Adam New emphasizes the buzz around Flores after the Vikings’ Week 3 victory over the Texans. He mentions discussions about the Vikings being one of the best-coached teams, with O’Connell and Flores standing out as an elite play-calling duo, further boosting Flores’ head coaching prospects.
Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos is Another Option
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has prior experience with the Dallas Cowboys, having served as an offensive assistant from 2003 to 2005.
“Payton is a proven winner, boasting a .617 winning percentage from his time with the New Orleans Saints, where he secured a victory in Super Bowl XLIV, and now with Denver, where he’s coaching first-round pick Bo Nix,” Bender noted.
“Acquiring Payton would likely involve trading draft picks, given the progress he’s made with the Broncos. Could Payton and Jerry Jones collaborate effectively? Jones has openly praised Payton, and if the timing aligns, it could be a move worth exploring.”
Bender also highlighted other NFL candidates like Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, though he mentioned Kingsbury as a “longshot.” College coaches like USC’s Lincoln Riley and Georgia’s Kirby Smart were also mentioned as possibilities.
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