5 possible Mike McCarthy replacements for Cowboys if disaster strikes

Mike McCarthy has had a lot of success since taking over as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys but he's also been on the wrong side of some terrible losses. Just this year, they were blown out by the San Francisco 49ers and have struggled to pull off wins on the road in general. He's also been called out for some infuriating gaffes with clock management.

McCarthy's main issue, however, remains an inability to win in the playoffs. He's 1-2 over his first three seasons and has seen his team knocked out two years in a row by the 49ers. In each loss, Dallas was held under 20 points, losing 23-17 following the 2021 campaign and 19-15 this past year.

If they once again go into the playoffs and lay an egg, there's no telling what will happen. As it stands now, the rumors feel like white noise but if this high-flying offense has another disatrous finish, it might be a good idea to get familiar with some potential replacements. Here, we look at five possible head coaching candidates who could be in play.

5. Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator

A fast-rising coaching candidate, Bobby Slowik is just 36 years of age but has been coaching since 2011. He spent his entire coaching career with Kyle Shanahan, working with him in Washington back in 2011 through 2013. He was an analyst with PFF for a few years before Shanahan brought him back to the coaching ranks in 2017.

Slowik was with the 49ers until this year when DeMeco Ryans brought him to Houston to serve as the Texans offensive coordinator. He guided C.J. Stroud to an excellent rookie campaign and got the most out of several wideouts throughout the year. If Dallas wants an offensive-minded coach who can match wits with Shanahan, this could be their guy.