Dallas Cowboys fans are eager to move past the 2024 season, which has been a disaster with a dismal 3-6 start. Many are calling for owner Jerry Jones to fire head coach Mike McCarthy. Speculation about McCarthy’s job security isn’t new—rumors swirled last offseason after the Cowboys’ crushing wild-card playoff loss at home to the Green Bay Packers. Despite this, the organization decided to give him another year.
However, it seems unlikely the 61-year-old coach will still be on the Cowboys’ sideline in 2025. Knowing Jones, he’s likely to pursue a big-name hire for the team’s next head coach. Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has been gaining attention in NFL circles as a potential candidate for the 2025 coaching cycle.
Fowler mentioned that Lanning, in his third season leading the Ducks, has impressed with his ability to build a strong, winning culture. While the college-to-NFL coaching pipeline has slowed in recent years—with Jim Harbaugh being one of the few exceptions—Lanning’s name has come up in conversations around the league. According to Fowler, some see similarities between Lanning and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, adding to his appeal.
Though Lanning could opt to stay at Oregon to continue his success, the Cowboys might be a compelling opportunity. Fantasy Points’ Scott Barrett recently posted predictions for 2025 NFL coaching hires, suggesting Lanning could end up in Dallas.
Landing Lanning would be a major move for the Cowboys, and fans are already buzzing about the possibility of the young coach leading their team into a new era.
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