On Sunday, October 13, the Dallas Cowboys were humiliated by the Detroit Lions, who crushed them 47-9 at home. Following the 38-point defeat to Detroit, there has been speculation throughout the season that this is the final season for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys front management may choose to choose a different leader and not re-sign the coach because McCarthy’s contract is up in the air.
Although Bill Belichick, the former coach of the New England Patriots, is always a favorite in Cowboys coach rumors, other possibilities are also being floated as potential McCarthy replacements.
Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions May Have Attracted Jerry Jones’ Attention
Jerry Jones could have seen Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as he sat there enjoying his 82nd birthday while watching his Cowboys be crushed by the Lions.
NFL analyst and expert Sayre Bedinger selects Johnson as the top candidate to replace McCarthy in a piece published on October 17 for Sport DFW.
“Until he finally accepts a job, I would expect Ben Johnson to be one of the most coveted and sought-after head coach candidates, especially considering the offensive play of the Detroit Lions over the last few years,” Bedinger said. “And you can’t help but think the Cowboys would be exactly the type of job he’d be waiting for, after turning down jobs for the past couple of years, waiting for the perfect opportunity.”
Johnson has transformed Detroit’s offense into a “juggernaut,” Bedinger continues.
Few NFL defenders appear to be able to keep up with them, Bedinger said, adding that they spread the ball as well as any team in the league.
Johnson was also mentioned by FanSided’s John Buhler as a potential McCarthy substitute.
In the article published on September 23, he said, “It blew my mind that Ben Johnson returned to the Detroit Lions for another season to remain their offensive coordinator.”
“What I appreciate about Johnson is his ability to position his players to make plays,” Buhler continued. In addition, he mentors the players that general manager Brad Holmes gives him and the other Lions coaches. Theoretically, Johnson would blend in well at the Cowboys building because he would not really confront Jerry Jones and would rely on Will McClay and Stephen Jones in the front office.
Johnson is also mentioned by Maitland Rutledge of The Laundry Hat as a potential McCarthy substitute.
In an article published on October 14, Rutledge stated that the Cowboys’ offensive problems may be resolved as quickly as they have this season if Johnson were to join the team. “Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a new full-time running back starter will help Dallas score points like a cash register.”
Additional Candidates for Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys
Bedinger loves Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, in addition to Johnson.
“It won’t be shocking when Bobby Slowik is interviewed by almost every team with a head coach vacancy in the 2025 offseason, considering the work we’ve seen him and the Houston Texans do over the past two seasons,” Slowik wrote.
Rutledge suggests USC head coach Lincoln Riley as an alternative to the NFL.
