Fans have been debating who the Dallas Cowboys coach will be in 2025 for months now. There is only one problem: we might be discussing the wrong coaching position. Mike McCarthy appears likely to return, but what about the rest of the staff?
The Cowboys have a particularly interesting situation at offensive coordinator.
McCarthy has been the play-caller since Kellen Moore was fired, and the offensive coordinator role lost significance in Dallas as a result.
As McCarthy’s return has become more likely, however, some are discussing whether a change will be made in that position. Could we see the play-calling duties returned there, and if so, will a new face be remodeling the call sheet?
Dallas must answer this question as the offseason unfolds. To get an early look at what that pick may be, we’ll examine three of their top options for offensive coordinator in 2025.
No Change: Mike McCarthy Keeps Calling Plays
The easiest and most likely option for the top Cowboys coach on offense is Mike McCarthy.
As the two sides continue to discuss a new contract for the future, it is hard to see him handing over the play-calling duties without a fight.
If that were proposed by Jerry Jones or another member of the front office, he could prefer to join a new organization where he could still run the offense. After all, the Chicago Bears have already tried to interview McCarthy.
ESPN Source: The Dallas Cowboys denied permission to the Chicago Bears to interview their head coach Mike McCarthy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2025
Some may also argue that aside from the playoffs, McCarthy has done a fine job running the show offensively when Dak Prescott is healthy.
The problem here is obvious: the regular season is not the Cowboys’ issue. They have to find a way to overcome their postseason woes, and to this point, McCarthy has not been able to do that as the play-caller.
That fact alone could lead Jones to prefer a coaching compromise, where Dallas would retain their head coach but shake things up with who has the playbook in hand.
Incumbent OC: A Brian Schottenheimer Promotion?
If the ownership tried to please the fanbase by giving an offensive coordinator the keys again, while also keeping Mike McCarthy, they could simply turn to the incumbent OC.
Brian Schottenheimer was hired to be the offensive coordinator in 2023, though his responsibilities have been limited by McCarthy’s power.
The former OC for the Rams, Jets, Seahawks, and Georgia Bulldogs has more than enough experience for the role but has been unable to hold down the position for very long in the past. That could be a red flag for Dallas.
it is time for me to once again share Brian Schottenheimer's career summary. a true legend of the NFL's meritocracy https://t.co/WjCrvojqDv pic.twitter.com/SE9wi2w5y1
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 24, 2022
Seahawk fans in particular are still not fans of Schottenheimer, as his offense during that tenure notoriously lacked creativity and explosiveness.
While there are some valid concerns around his ability to run and call an offense, there’s no doubt that he would be the easiest transition if McCarthy agreed to have less offensive influence in 2025.
That said, the Cowboys could look to shake things up with an outside voice, rather than a product of the current environment.
New Face: Brian Johnson’s Second Chance
From 2014 to 2016, Mississippi State had a dynamic duo between Prescott and Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson. One decade later, it could be time to reunite the pair that dominated college football.
After a fast rise to the pros and a great stint as the Eagles quarterback coach during their 2022 Super Bowl run, Johnson flamed out as their offensive coordinator.
He was fired after just one season, but he has landed on his feet as the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator for the Commanders.
The #Commanders are expected to hire former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to a prominent offensive staff role, per source.
Johnson, who guided Philly’s offense last year, interviewed for several head coaching jobs this cycle. pic.twitter.com/iNsR8TMkEE
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 8, 2024
We’ve all seen how high-powered that offense has looked at times this year, as rookie Jayden Daniels has far exceeded expectations en route to a 12-5 record and a playoff berth. That alone is more than Dallas was able to accomplish this year.
Johnson, 37, is still one of the youngest coaches in the league and likely did not deserve as much flack as he caught for his 2023 stint as the Eagles OC.
With this successful season in Washington, this could be the perfect time to give him a second chance as an offensive coordinator and to reunite him with his old college quarterback.
