Is Cowboys Coach Search Hurt by Mike McCarthy Lame-Duck Status? Podcast

With a head coach with no contract beyond next season for the Cowboys, will any qualified defensive coordinator be interested in joining Mike McCarthy's staff?

FRISCO - After the hiring of Dan Quinn to be the new head coach in Washington, the Cowboys are searching for his replacement. And with the way the defense performed the past two seasons under Quinn and the talent level available, one might think it's a highly attractive job.

But head coach Mike McCarthy is heading into the final year of his contract without an extension, meaning he and his staff will be evaluated on what happens in 2024 - meaning for a new defensive coordinator coming in, it could be a one-and-done situation.

Owner Jerry Jones doesn't think that's an issue in their search for Quinn's replacement.

“I don’t anticipate that being an issue at all,” Jones said. “If they take the job, they will be coordinator of the Cowboys. They would be looking at that right there and all that goes with that. If they’re aspiring, they know there’s a chance to be a head coach someplace, because the one that just left is.”

The team doesn't appear to be in any hurry with its search and Jones and McCarthy have not designated a timeline for a potential hire. Interviews are beginning Monday with former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and Ron Rivera among possible candidates.

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Zimmer was with the Cowboys organization from 1994 through 2006 serving in various capacities including defensive coordinator from 2000-2006.

Dallas may also have an interest in veteran aide Wink Martindale.

Former Washington and Carolina head coach Rivera is also reportedly a candidate. One rumored internal candidate, Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt, has accepted the defensive coordinator job with Quinn in Washington.