The Dallas Cowboys have begun their search for a new head coach. Over the following weeks, we'll be hearing a lot of potential candidates for the job but no decision will be made in a while. So far, the Cowboys have interviewed Mike McCarthy and Marvin Lewis but they're likely just scratching the surface.
It's pretty hard to predict who will be the team's next head coach, but we know changes are needed to take this team to the next level. We know there's some things we want to see from the “new regime.” The following is my “Cowboys Wishlist” of what I want to see from whoever ends up coaching in Dallas.
Wish #1: Unleash Dak Prescott's running skills
The Baltimore Ravens took over the NFL with a power running game that featured Running Back Mark Ingram and Quarterback Lamar Jackson this season. Watching them play week after week, I can't stop wondering how would Dak do if given the chance to run frequently. He obviously wouldn't be as good as Jackson running the ball but using him as a dual-threat QB could open a ton of doors for the Cowboys offense.
They don't have to run with him as often as the Ravens do with Lamar, but they have barely used Dak's legs. Can't wait for the new coaching staff to take advantage of this unused strength.
Wish #2: Keep Jon Kitna as QB Coach
A new head coach often means a new coaching staff, but some assistants in Dallas might survive the change. While young coaches like Kellen Moore and Kris Richard have a legit chance of sticking around, another name comes to mind.
Jon Kitna has helped Dak Prescott's development a lot. Prescott showed a lot of signs of improvement in 2019 in huge part thanks to Kitna's coaching. It'll be hard to let him leave. Hopefully, the Cowboys' new HC decides to keep him around.
Wish #3: Make the Cowboys a passing team
Dak Prescott passed for 4,902 yards this season, second most in the NFL and just a handful of yards away from the Cowboys franchise record that Tony Romo set in 2012. However, the team's tendencies show that Dallas wasn't truly a passing team this season.
I love Ezekiel Elliott, but the offense should center around the QB and the passing game if the Cowboys are to win their sixth Super Bowl.
Wish #4: Care about special teams
Underestimating the importance of special teams is dumb. Games can be won or lost in this frequently overlooked phase of the game. Fans that get up to make a run for the restroom when the punting unit comes out to the field are missing out but when your head coach doesn't pay attention to special teams, that's when you have a problem.
Whoever drives the wheel of the 2019 Dallas Cowboys, I wish he loves special teams and looks for a winning edge even in this phase of the game.
