The head coaching is search is underway in Dallas, with names like Mike McCarthy and Marvin Lewis already being reported as interviewees for the Cowboys. No matter who winds up replacing Jason Garrett, the question of Quarterback Dak Prescott’s future will certainly loom largely over any discussions.
Prescott’s rookie contract has expired, leaving Dallas in the tough spot of having to decide the next step with Dak while also undergoing a regime change on the coaching staff. The Cowboys likely wish they could have had one of these things stabilized before dealing with the other, but the situation is what it is.
That said, it’s Prescott who may be in the worst spot of any parties involved. The Jones will still own the Cowboys and the next head coach will be guaranteed a job for at least the 2020 season, but Dak will wind up being the last remaining variable.
Depending on who the Cowboys eventually hire as coach, how much say could he have in what Dallas ultimately decides to do with Dak Prescott?
Of course, Dak being the QB of the future may not be negotiable. The Jones may be making that clear to everyone they interview; the job comes with a long-term commitment to Prescott as starting quarterback.
But what if offensive-minded guys, not to mention former QB coaches, like Mike McCarthy or Josh McDaniels aren’t big Dak fans? What if they don’t love his skill set for the offense they want to run?
Prescott did a lot in 2019 to help silence critics and doubters. But the inaccuracy was still there at times, contributing to the Cowboys being near the top of the league in dropped passes.
Some offensive schemes are dependent on timing, accuracy, and communication. Dak has great qualities of leadership, toughness, and mobility but his limitations may be more problematic for the next coaching staff than the previous one.
You can bet questions regarding Dak’s future in Dallas are being asked of McCarthy, Lewis, and anyone else that gets interviewed. The Cowboys may not be willing to budge on bringing him back in 2020, but only they know that for sure.
For Cowboys fans and onlookers, it’s just another of the many uncertainties surrounding the team this offseason.
