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Dallas Cowboys coaching candidates: 7 Best head coach options after Jason Garrett

By Cody Williams

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after a touchdown touchdown against the Baylor Bears in the third quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after a touchdown touchdown against the Baylor Bears in the third quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

2. Mike McCarthy

Current Position: Took 2019 off, former Packers head coach

The track record of Mike McCarthy more than speaks for himself. He took over the Green Bay Packers as head coach in 2006 after serving as an offensive coordinator for the Saints (2000-04) and 49ers (2005). After going 8-8 in his first season, he had the Packers above .500 in every season except for 2008 until 2017. That included eight seasons with double-digit wins. And let’s not forget he also led the Pack to winning Super Bowl XLV.

McCarthy’s time in Green Bay largely came to an end because of the discord between himself and Aaron Rodgers. However, the head coach has proven himself to be both a good motivator, veteran presence on the sideline and a terrific offensive mind. Subsequently, he could be the perfect hire for the Dallas Cowboys as an experienced candidate capable of taking over this talent-laden roster and getting them to the heights they’re capable of reaching.

1. Lincoln Riley

Current Position: Oklahoma head coach

Much like with Urban Meyer, many people are split on the notion of the Cowboys hiring Lincoln Riley. Considering that I have him listed as the top head coaching candidate for Dallas, however, I think you can register where I stand on the current Oklahoma Sooners head coach.

Despite their shortcomings in the College Football Playoff, Oklahoma’s offense under Riley’s direction has been nothing short of marvelous. With one quarterback after another, Riley has made the Sooners a juggernaut when they have the ball with elite creativity and design, something that was never present with Garrett throughout his tenure in Dallas.

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Maybe that’s the biggest reason why I’m in the Lincoln Riley corner, to course-correct hard from what we saw in Garrett. However, with the personnel on the Cowboys’ roster and the potential to pair Riley with a nice defensive staff, adding the Oklahoma head coach could bring about something truly special and get America’s Team back to being a dynasty.

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