What traits of next head coach would benefit Cowboys most? - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Jerry Jones has tried all kinds of coaches with the Dallas Cowboys.

His first, Jimmy Johnson, came from college. So did his second, Barry Switzer. They won three Super Bowls between them. Then Jones dipped into the hot offensive coordinator pool with Chan Gailey, who went to the playoffs in each of his two seasons. Jones promoted from within with Dave Campo, who went 5-11 in three straight years.

Then the owner and general manager swung big, bringing in Bill Parcells, who had won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. He then went the defensive coordinator route in Wade Phillips, and he promoted from within again with Jason Garrett, whom he viewed as his Tom Landry.

After nine full seasons with Garrett, Jones went back to a Super Bowl-winning coach in Mike McCarthy, who is leaving after five seasons.

Now Jones is looking for another head coach as the Cowboys' Super Bowl drought reaches 29 years following a 7-10 finish in 2024.

Which direction might he choose now?

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These days, it seems like the coaches are put into categories of offensive-minded, defensive-minded or leader of men.

Considering the state of the Cowboys' roster, an offensive-minded head coach would make sense.

Quarterback Dak Prescott turns 32 in July. He is coming off surgery to repair a right hamstring avulsion but figures to be ready to go for the start of the offseason program. He is also entering the first year of the four-year, $240 million contract extension he agreed to hours before the season opener.

Maximizing the quarterback has always been a priority for Jones. When Tony Romo was