The Dallas Cowboys' season is essentially over with the loss of Tony Romo to yet another collarbone injury. The team went 0-7 without him, and Jason Garrett avoided any real criticism because of the injuries.
But Garrett does deserve some blame, as the team had numerous discipline issues and failed to win even a single game. Garrett is an offensive-minded coach and the offense was just awful without Romo.
Jerry Jones like Garrett, but if the Cowboys limp to the finish, that might change. The Cowboys seemed destined to have a high draft pick this season and perhaps a new coach is on the horizon as well. In the event Garrett is canned, even if it is a bit unlikely, here are the top 10 candidates to replace Garrett as head coach of the Cowboys.
10. Mike Holmgren, former Seahawks/Packers head coach
Holmgren reportedly wanted to coach the Cowboys a few years ago, and that desire likely remains. He wanted the 49ers job when it was open, so the itch to coach is still real. It's unlikely, as the Cowboys would likely prefer someone else, but it is in the realm of possibility.
9. Kyle Shanahan, Falcons offensive coordinator
The son of former NFL coach Mike Shanahan (see below), Kyle has occupied the role of offensive coordinator with the Texans, Redskins, Falcons (currently), and the Browns (2014). He has coached in the NFL since 2004, and has found himself in the mix for other head coaching jobs in the past. The Falcons' offense has struggled a bit in recent weeks, which could hurt his job chances.
8. Doug Marrone, Jaguars OL/assistant head coach
Marrone had a relatively impressive 15-17 record as head coach of the Bills over the last two seasons given the team's major QB issues, but opted out of his contract after numerous disagreements with the front office. Many teams were impressed with his work in Buffalo and he was expected to get another job elsewhere, but found himself on the job market a little too late to land the kind of job he wanted. He'll be a top target for several teams this offseason and the Cowboys could be interested.
7. Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation while leading the Patriots’ offense for the past four seasons after a less-than-successful head coaching debut in Denver. He has a strong desire to be an NFL head coach again. Perhaps he can bring some of the "Brady Effect" over to fix the Eagles. McDaniels shouldn't have the final say in personnel decisions, especially in the draft. That's what ruined his tenure with Denver. That could work in Dallas, where McDaniels would get to voice his opinion, but not make the call.
6. Hue Jackson, Bengals offensive coordinator
Jackson guided the Oakland Raiders to a .500 record in 2011, which was impressive given Oakland's lack of talent. It's only a matter of time before he gets another shot at a full head coaching role. Cincinnati's offense has been consistently productive despite a number of injuries and Andy Dalton's occasional struggles, and it's been among the best in the NFL this season. Jackson will get numerous head coaching interviews this season, and the Cowboys will likely be one of them if Garrett is canned. Expect Jackson to end up as a head coach somewhere next season.
5. Adam Gase, Bears offensive coordinator
Gase was widely expected to be a head coach this year, but opted to follow John Fox to the Bears. Gase nearly had the 49ers' gig last season, but things fell apart when Baalke decided Jim Tomsula needed to be the defensive coordinator. Gase has done a great job this season with the Bears, as Jay Cutler has experience a bit of a revitalization. Gase will be a hot candidate again this season, and perhaps he'll land with Dallas.
4. Bob Stoops, Sooners head coach
Stoops' name comes up every time the Cowboys' job is open. He's still young enough to make the jump to the NFL and stay for many years. The Sooners are having a solid season and his stock may never be higher. It might be more of a fall-back plan, but if Garrett is fired, expect to hear Stoops' name as a candidate.
3. Mike Shanahan, former Broncos/Redskins head coach
Shanahan is interested in returning to coaching, and is only a few years removed from leading the Washington Redskins to the playoffs, but he’ll likely want to have some front office input as well. He'd get some input in Dallas, but not full control. His name was linked to Dallas before they hired Garrett.
2. Jon Gruden, former Bucs/Raiders head coach
Gruden is ripe to return to the NFL sidelines, and the Cowboys' job could be enough to lure Gruden back. Gruden wants a big-name job if he's going to return, and the Cowboys job certainly fits that.
1. Sean Payton, Saints head coach
ESPN's Adam Schefter has already reported that the several will inquire about Payton at the end of the season, and the Cowboys will be one if they part ways with Garrett. Payton spent time in Dallas under Bill Parcells and the Cowboys were sad to see him leave. Payton loves Romo and even tried to trade for him when Payton took over in New Orleans. He'd be a huge get for Dallas and would absolutely be at the top of their list.
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