Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones smiles prior to the game against the Rams. Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Cowboys head coaching search sneakily progressing outside of public eye

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 4:19 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' search for their next head coach is in full swing, and candidates who have caught Jerry Jones' eye are beginning to emerge.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was among the first to be mentioned, along with former Cowboys star Jason Witten, who has zero NFL coaching experience but has led his high school football team to consecutive state championships.

Then you have former Cowboys quarterback and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who cannot be contacted until the Philadelphia Eagles' season comes to an end.

On Wednesday, another name emerged: former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who won a Super Bowl ring as part of the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff under Pete Carroll.

Many were concerned that the Cowboys would be playing from behind on the coaching market after dragging their feet with the Mike McCarthy decision. However, it appears to be the complete opposite.

According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Jerry and the 'Boys are "further along in this process than it currently feels to the public."

The #Cowboys have already inquired about multiple head coach candidates and their schedules, per league source.

They are further along in this process than it currently feels to the public.

Jerry Jones is not a rookie at this.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 15, 2025

The comment from Anderson leads you to wonder whether there are candidates outside of the public eye who have been contacted about the job.

Could it be Jerry's good friend Bill Belichick? What about a rockstar college coach like Steve Sarkisian or Lincoln Riley?

With Jerry Jones, you never know, but it is clear that he had a backup plan all along which is why he was comfortable dragging his feet on the McCarthy front.

We will just have to wait until Jerry thinks it's time to show his hand.

4 candidates to replace Mike McCarthy as Cowboys head coach

3 former Dallas Cowboys players who could become the next head coach

Deion Sanders to Dallas Cowboys? Jerry Jones willing to make Prime Time splash

Dallas Cowboys land elite safety, massive wideout in 7-round mock draft

Way too early look at 7 NFL free agents Cowboys can target

Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: