Possible 2024 Cowboys replacements for Mike McCarthy with Sean Payton off the board
By Jerry Trotta
2. Shane Steichen, Eagles OC
The Cowboys should absolutely give Steichen serious consideration if they move on from McCarthy in 2024. It’s almost a surprise Steichen is still waiting for a head coaching opportunity — he’s one of many candidates to get a second interview with the Colts — given the great work he’s done with Jalen Hurts.
While others (Hurts first and foremost) should be credited with Hurts morphing into an MVP-caliber quarterback, Steichen’s been right there the entire way. Philly’s offense is admittedly loaded with playmakers, but we’ve seen talented offenses struggle before. Steichen’s Eagles, however, were a runaway train in 2022.
Beyond Hurts, Steichen was instrumental in the development of then-Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. Thrust into a starting role in Year 1, Steichen helped nurture Herbert on the way to becoming the Offensive Rookie of the Year. That season, Herbert notched the most completions, most passing touchdowns, most total touchdowns, and most 300-yard passing games by a rookie QB.
Hurts and Hurts are arguably top-five quarterbacks, and Steichen has overseen both of their respective developments. That’s a pretty solid track record if you ask me, and it makes you wonder about the work he could do with Dak Prescott.