As the Dallas Cowboys continue to grapple with inconsistent playoff performances and underwhelming results under head coach Mike McCarthy, whispers around the NFL have started to intensify about potential changes in the coaching staff. Among the names being casually mentioned is Steve Sarkisian, the current head coach of the Texas Longhorns, whose name has been surprisingly floated as a potential candidate for the Cowboys’ top job. While the idea might seem bold at first, a deeper look into both McCarthy’s uncertain future and Sarkisian’s growing reputation in the college football world raises intriguing questions about whether this could actually become a reality.
Mike McCarthy, who guided the Cowboys to a playoff appearance in 2023, still finds himself on the hot seat. Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, the Cowboys have repeatedly failed to make a deep playoff run under McCarthy’s stewardship. The team’s inability to win critical postseason games, paired with McCarthy’s uninspired playcalling, has led to mounting speculation that he may not return next season, regardless of how the team performs in the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Dallas owner Jerry Jones, known for his impatience when it comes to his team’s performance, has shown in the past that he is willing to make drastic decisions to maintain the Cowboys’ perennial contender status.
Enter Steve Sarkisian, who has quietly established himself as one of the brightest minds in college football. While his tenure in the NFL was brief and unremarkable—serving as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017—his success at Texas since taking the head coaching job in 2021 has raised eyebrows. In just a few seasons, Sarkisian has transformed the Longhorns into a competitive force in the Big 12, with a potent offense and strong recruiting classes. His work with quarterbacks, particularly with developing high-level talent like Quinn Ewers, has been one of his standout achievements.
Sarkisian’s name being linked to the Cowboys, however, isn’t as far-fetched as it may seem. For one, Jerry Jones has historically been intrigued by the idea of bringing in head coaches with offensive expertise, and Sarkisian has shown he can construct a high-powered offense at the collegiate level. Additionally, Jones’ affinity for flashy names and high-profile hires could play into the narrative. Sarkisian, with his larger-than-life personality, might fit Jones’ vision of a coach who can energize the fan base, excite players, and bring a fresh approach to an organization that has long been criticized for its lack of innovation.
But there are significant risks attached to such a move. For one, transitioning from the college game to the NFL is no small feat. The professional game is a different beast altogether, and there’s a long track record of college coaches failing to succeed at the NFL level. While Sarkisian’s time with the Falcons wasn’t disastrous, it was far from stellar, and it’s difficult to predict how his style would translate in a locker room full of established NFL players who may not respond to the college coaching methods he’s known for. The stakes would be significantly higher in Dallas, where expectations to win Super Bowls are relentless.
Moreover, some may view this as a controversial and premature decision, given Sarkisian’s lack of NFL experience as a head coach. His time at Texas has been impressive, but it is still limited compared to other coaches who have made the leap from college to the pros. Hiring him would also raise questions about the Cowboys’ commitment to finding a proven, experienced leader to guide them in what is now an intensely competitive NFC East division.
In the end, whether Steve Sarkisian becomes a viable option for the Cowboys’ next head coach remains to be seen. What is clear is that Jerry Jones is always thinking ahead, and if McCarthy’s tenure comes to a close, Jones might be willing to take a gamble on a coach who has proven he can build a dynamic, high-scoring offense, even if it means betting on the unknown. The NFL has seen its fair share of bold coaching hires, and with the Cowboys’ championship window still open, the speculation around Sarkisian’s future in Dallas only adds to the intrigue.
