In case you had any doubts, yes, Jerry Jones is prepared to take this thing down to the wire. With just one game left in the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys still have not renewed the contract of head coach Mike McCarthy.
The Cowboys got steamrolled by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, but that loss shouldn't determine McCarthy's fate by any means. Thanks to injuries, the Dallas team that took the field was not close to the one fans envisioned when the season started.
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If anything, the loss was a bigger indictment on the front office than McCarthy. It showed the major gulf in talent between the Cowboys and Eagles. While Dallas has more than half of its payroll on injured reserve, even at full-strength they would fall short on paper relative to Philly.
Of course, this regime doesn't have the self-reflection capability to concede that. It's unfortunate that they continue to dangle McCarthy's future to the media, but until they make a decision talk of whom could replace the 61-year-old will remain prevalent.
Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has been a popular name in that regard and he is officially on the market.
Cowboys can officially interview Mike Vrabel as possible Mike McCarthy replacement
Vrabel's consulting agreement with the Cleveland Browns expired on Monday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
That means Vrabel can now interview for head coaching jobs. The Saints and Jets are currently the only teams with openings, but that list will grow in bunches. While Vrabel does not have any interviews lined up as of this writing, that will change in short order.
Mike Vrabel’s consulting agreement with the Cleveland Browns expired today, per league source. pic.twitter.com/IUjVVZRZiV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2024
ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have both linked Vrabel with the Cowboys should they move on from McCarthy.
While Vrabel is an intriguing option, Dallas would be better off sticking with McCarthy than bringing in the former Coach of the Year.
Not only does McCarthy have a superior coaching resume, but he's an offensive-minded head coach. That's not to say Dallas has a scheme advantage every Sunday (far from it), but Dak Prescott, the most expensive quarterback in the NFL, is comfortable in McCarthy's system and has lobbied for McCarthy to keep his job.
If the Cowboys hire Vrabel, he would presumably bring in his own offensive coordinator. Maybe the Joneses conduct their own search. Either option doesn't inspire much confidence.
For all of the Vrabel truthers out there, get a load of this. Vrabel flaunted a 43-27 as Titans head coach with Arthur Smith as his offensive coordinator. After Smith left to become the Falcons' head coach, Vrabel stumbled to the tune of a 13-21 record.
It's difficult to trust Vrabel to make the right OC hire and even harder to entrust the Joneses with that decision. While Vrabel's teams have a history of playing up to their competition and being among the most physical and discipline in football, he would not be an upgrade over McCarthy.
If the Cowboys do part ways with McCarthy, they should look at Lions OC Ben Johnson, Bucs OC Liam Coen, Ravens OC Todd Monken and even Vikings DC Brian Flores before they give Vrabel a call.