3 Mike McCarthy replacements the Cowboys should already be lining up

The Dallas Cowboys got blown out at home for the third time this season, losing to the Detroit Lions 47-9. In a game Dallas was never really in, the team looked lifeless and unmotivated.

The defense was decimated by injuries and the offense had some of their own, but to get blown out and seemingly quit on the field is a clear reflection on the head coach. Mike McCarthy did not have his team ready to play.

That has been the case all season at AT&T Stadium, a place where most expect Dallas to play their best. The Cowboys went undefeated at home in the regular season last year, but opponents have felt more at home, with rival fans even overwhelming home supporters with their own chants.

An irritated Jerry Jones sounded off to reporters on the loss. At 3-3, the Cowboys are still in playoff picture, but their schedule after the bye week is daunting. If Dallas endures a lengthy losing streak or limps into the postseason and loses early, McCarthy could be let go at season's end.

Should it come to that, here are three potential McCarthy replacements that Jones needs to have on speed dial.

3 head coaches the Cowboys should hire to potentially replace Mike McCarthy

3. Lincoln Riley, USC head coach

When the Cowboys decided to move on from Jason Garrett after 2019, Lincoln Riley was one of the names mentioned as his replacement. While Riley was still the head coach at Oklahoma at the time, he did jump ship rather quickly. That might leave some to believe he would embrace taking an NFL head coaching job.

Riley is one of the most brilliant offensive minds in football and he helped turn Caleb Williams into what looks like the next franchise quarterback in Chicago. McCarthy's offense continues to be bland and far too predicable. Riley, on the other hand, is an innovator and loves explosive plays. That is definitely something this offense lacks right now under McCarthy.

It would take time for Dak Prescott and Riley to understand each other and it would be a new system to learn, but it would be worth it.

Riley's defenses were nothing great at Oklahoma and have been suspect at USC. He would more than likely hire at great veteran defensive minded coach to call plays on that side.

Dallas' offense has struggled to make the big plays this season despite having a Pro Bowl quarterback, receiver and tight end. Riley would give new life to that side of the ball and maybe even revitalize Prescott's career.

Hiring a college coach for his first pro job is risky, but Riley is champing at the bit to get a shot in the NFL. He grew up in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech so it would be an ideal team to get started with.

2. Ben Johnson, Lions OC

While Riley might be a gamble from the college ranks, Ben Johnson would make a bit more sense to get a job as a head coach with any NFL team.

Johnson commanded an offense Sunday afternoon in Jerry World that was a machine the whole game. has turned Jared Goff into a franchise quarterback in Detroit and the Lions have ranked among the NFL's top offenses since he took over as the play-caller.

Johnson was a prime candidate for the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers head coaching positions in the offseason, but both teams went in other directions. Johnson will most likely get a head coaching job this upcoming offseason so why not in Dallas?

If Johnson were to come to the Cowboys, the offensive woes might disappear as fast as they appeared this season. Give him Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and a new full-time starter at running back and Dallas could run up points like a cash register. Jerry would need to set aside his priority for hiring an experienced head coach, but he should be calling Johnson if he moves on from McCarthy.

1. Bill Belichick, former Patriots HC

Bill Belichick should still be number one. The Cowboys flirted with the idea when it was not certain McCarthy would be back after the playoff loss to the Packers. Jerry Jones arguably should have made the move the next day in bringing the coach with the most Super Bowl titles to Dallas.

Belichick is enjoying retirement right now, but many still believe he will coach again. The man in the hoodie might be one of the most boring coaches to ever take the podium after the game, but he has won more than most coaches in NFL history. Some argue that his success is tied to Tom Brady, but he still squeezed a playoff appearance out of the Patriots back in 2021 with Mac Jones.

Belichick is arguably the greatest defensive mind in football history and the Cowboys ever need help on that side on the ball in the worst way..

Jones would have to give up some, if not, a lot of control to Belichick when it comes to personnel decisions, but if he actually decided to care about winning for once it would be worth it.

Belichick preaches discipline and always had his team ready for any situation they faced in a game. Both of those qualities are something Dallas has lacked since arguably the new millennium. Belichick would turn the Cowboys around if Jerry gave him a chance to coach again.

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