Cowboys expected to interview 2 top NFC assistants in HC search

Could Jerry Jones actually land one of the top head coach candidates?

Both Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are expected to land head coaching jobs this coaching cycle, according to multiple reports. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys' head coaching search is about to pick up steam with three candidates set to visit over the weekend.

Kellen Moore, Robert Saleh, and Leslie Frazier are all going to speak with Jerry Jones about the opening left by Mike McCarthy's departure. While Moore is considered an early favorite, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News expects two of the hottest names on the market to enter the race.

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Watkins believes Jones will meet with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Both men are expected to land a head coaching job this offseason after having success with the Detroit Lions.

The #Cowboys might interview Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as part of their head coach search, per @calvinwatkins. Dallas can’t interview either until after they are made available.

He also mentions the Jones’ could wrap up their search mid-February.

Link: https://t.co/4LdVoVg8PD pic.twitter.com/6oHWV7kOT6

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) January 17, 2025

Johnson has been targeted in several interviews already with the Las Vegas Raiders standing out as favorites to land him. Dallas should still make their pitch after he transformed their offense.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), left, talks to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Among his greatest accomplishments is the way Johnson helped Jared Goff resurrect his career. The former Rams quarterback threw for 4,629 passing yards, with 37 touchdowns, and had the league's fourth-highest quarterback rating of 68.5.

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Adding Johnson would do wonders for Dak Prescott, who is coming off a subpar campaign that ended with a hamstring injury.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aaron Glenn also proved his worth while working under Dan Campbell. He's been praised as a strong leader with Bryan Broaddus saying he has a "good shot" of convincing Jerry Jones to hire him.

Detroit's defense was 20th in the NFL in yards surrendered but finished seventh in scoring. They were fifth in run defense, which is how they've shut down opponents once they get near the end zone — something Dallas has struggled with in recent years.

One final note from Watkins is that this search could take until mid-February. While that feels like a long process, it's important the Cowboys get this right.

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