Following Mike McCarthy's departure, the Dallas Cowboys are actively seeking their next head coach, with Robert Saleh reportedly at the top of their list. The former New York Jets coach's availability has piqued Jerry Jones' interest, and the Cowboys are expected to make a formal request to interview him.
McCarthy's exit came as a surprise to some, especially after reports indicated he had declined an interview with the Chicago Bears. Despite leading the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and playoff appearances in three consecutive seasons, his 7-10 finish this year ultimately sealed his fate. The decision marks a shift in direction for the Cowboys organization.
Saleh, who previously served as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, is a sought-after coaching candidate. He's also scheduled to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders and is reportedly a frontrunner for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching position. Saleh's tenure with the Jets ended after a 2-3 start this season, culminating in a 20-36 overall record with the team. He navigated the challenges of working with two different quarterbacks, Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, during his time in New York.
While Saleh appears to be the primary focus, other names, including former Cowboys players Deion Sanders and Jason Witten, have also been mentioned in connection with the coaching vacancy.