5 big names Cowboys could pursue if McCarthy is fired

There may never be a better time for the Dallas Cowboys to move on from Mike McCarthy than right now.

Another disappointing postseason loss under McCarthy - this time a 48-32 upset to the Green Bay Packers - is bad enough, but with the abundance of top coaching talent available, this is almost too good of an opportunity for Jerry Jones to pass up on.

Here are five big names the franchise could pursue if McCarthy is fired:

Bill Belichick

The trendiest pick of the candidates, Belichick joining the Cowboys feels like a perfect match. For starters, at 71 years old, the legendary coach likely has little to no appetite for heading a rebuild. That's what makes Dallas such an attractive destination. If Jones were to lure Belichick, he would obtain a roster that contains the most talented quarterback he's had since Tom Brady in Dak Prescott. The Cowboys also have star power on defense.

The one ingredient this team has really been lacking is a steep culture change that can erase the stench of falling short and replace it with winning. There's no one better equipped for that than a head coach with 302 wins and six Super Bowl championships.

Mike Vrabel

Vrabel was dismissed by the Tennessee Titans after posting a positive record of 54-45 over six seasons. While his last two seasons were rough - carrying a combined mark of 13-21 - Vrabel had already established himself as a made man among coaching circles. The Titans posted winning records in each of his first four seasons and earned three playoff appearances. His most memorable moment came in 2019 when he guided the sixth-seed Titans all the way to a conference title game. That's more than the Cowboys can say they've done over the last 28 years.

If the Cowboys are eyeing a leader of men and former player who might have better luck extracting success from the locker room, Vrabel could be a good choice.

Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh is taking NFL head coaching interviews again, and, while he hasn't officially confirmed that he's trying to return, this is as real as it's ever felt. If the Cowboys move on from McCarthy and want a proven winner, then Harbaugh's name should be at the top of Jones' shortlist.

Harbaugh has proven he can get it done wherever he goes. He's coming off a national championship with Michigan in which he rallied his players to rise above all attention brought upon by investigations over an alleged sign-stealing scandal. He's also demonstrated he can lead professional adults, taking the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl during the 2012 season.

Pete Carroll

The Seattle Seahawks gifted Carroll a gracious exit after 14 years as head coach. However, it's clear that the 72-year-old does not want to stop coaching. In his exit press conference, Carroll left the possibility of coaching elsewhere open, and his resume should certainly fetch the attention of the Cowboys.

Carroll has made two Super Bowls - winning one - while also leading the Seahawks to a 10-9 record in the postseason. Seattle's excellence under Carroll was built off a dangerous defense, especially in the secondary. The Cowboys also fit that description. Plus, Dallas already owns one piece of Seattle's Super Bowl run in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, assuming he doesn't leave. A reunion could be enticing.

Ben Johnson

Johnson is thought to be one of the most in-demand coaching candidates after turning the Jared Goff-led Lions into a juggernaut offense. Detroit has ranked in the top five in points scored in each of his two seasons calling plays. The 2023 campaign really solidified Johnson as a can't-miss coaching candidate, as the Lions went 12-5 and won their division for the first time since 1993.

Johnson is already in heavy demand with numerous interview requests coming Detroit's way. However, the Cowboys' position - which comes with the likes of Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a statistically stout defense - easily makes it the top job if it's available. Dallas could use some new ideas on offense after multiple failed years with the likes of Kellen Moore and McCarthy calling plays, and Johnson could be the fresh voice the franchise so desperately needs.