The Dallas Cowboys haven't even started interviewing head coach candidates, but that hasn't stopped insiders from linking several candidates to the job.
Being that Jerry Jones loves to control the narrative, it is no surprise that the legendary Deion Sanders was the first name mentioned with any sort of legitimacy. Sanders has had success at every stop at the college level. He's turned Colorado from a bottom-feeder to a nationally-respected program.
Part of the appeal behind Sanders is he might keep Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator. Zimmer was the Cowboys' defensive backs coach when Sanders played for Dallas. Zimmer was even on Sanders' Colorado staff in 2023 as a consultant.
While Mike McCarthy had several respected assistants on his staff, it is highly unlikely that any of them receive head coaching buzz. Zimmer is the only one with previous experience in that regard. Now 68 years old, it's doubtful that Zimmer desires to be a head coach again.
Dan Quinn was obviously a hot commodity during last year's hiring cycle. In a stunning development, one of Quinn's current assistants in Washington has entered the head coaching sweepstakes, but not in Dallas.
Former Cowboys assistant Joe Whitt Jr. to interview for Jets' head coaching job
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Jets have requested an interview with Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coaching job.
The #Jets requested an interview with #Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coaching job, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 14, 2025
It’s the first HC interview for Whitt, 46, who came with Dan Quinn from Dallas and has been an integral part of Washington’s turnaround. pic.twitter.com/PaKy11dOFw
The Jets admittedly have interviewed nine other candidates and have requested interviews with several other assistants, but this is nothing less than what Whitt deserves.
Hired by the Cowboys in 2021 to coach their secondary and passing defense, Whitt was a popular pick among fans last year to replace Quinn as defensive coordinator after Quinn took the Commanders job. Quinn lured Whitt away to coordinate Washington's defense while Dallas' mulled its options.
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Whitt has enjoyed success at various stops in the NFL. As Browns defensive passing game coordinator and DBs coach in 2019, Whitt led Cleveland to top-10 finishes in passing defense and interceptions. The Packers led the NFL in interceptions twice during Whitt's tenure as cornerbacks coach. He also oversaw career years from multiple Dallas defensive backs, including Trevon Diggs, Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson and most recently, DaRon Bland.
Despite severe personnel shortcomings in the secondary, Washington's defense ranked 13th in total defense and 18th in opponent scoring this season under Whitt. A significant improvement after they ranked dead-last in both categories last year.
Whitt might not have the head coach experience of other candidates this cycle, but his reputation around the league speaks for itself. While 2024 marked his first opportunity to coordinate a defense, he's coached in the NFL in some capacity for 18 years.
Whitt might not get the Jets' job, but that he's on the radar of NFL teams is a testament to the sparkling resume he's accumulated in his coaching career. It is a shame the Cowboys didn't do more last offseason to keep him.