Cowboys Should Pursue Matt Rhule Over Lincoln Riley After Big 12 Title Game Showdown

The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones have to move on from Jason Garrett. Keeping him around much longer may as well lead to a mutiny from both fans and players alike in Big D.

Lincoln Riley is one of the hottest names on the coaching market thanks to another great season that has his Oklahoma Sooners nearing a College Football Playoff berth after another Big 12 conference title. His success has him linked to the Cowboys time and time again, though Jones may be wise to look at Baylor head coach Matt Rhule after the season he had.

Rhule and Baylor lost two games all season, both to Oklahoma. His first loss was only by three points and the second came in Saturday's Big 12 Championship in overtime. That's nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the David and Goliath narrative in play.

Rhule had his team in overtime with a third-string quarterback in Jacob Zeno leading the way. Riley had Jalen Hurts.

Riley has also had star quarterbacks his entire time with his juggernaut program. Rhule took over a Baylor team in turmoil and went 1-11 in 2017, only to go 11-2 so far in 2019. That improvement is due to more than just talent -- that is leadership. Belief.

Riley came away with the wins, but Rhule has acquitted himself brilliantly even in defeat. His reputation as a turnaround artist is impressive. And that's exactly what the Cowboys need right now.

Temple and Baylor have both seen major bounce-backs in recent years thanks to Rhule's work at the helm. Riley, conversely, inherited a great Oklahoma team and has maintained that status without facing too much heavy adversity.

The Cowboys need a coach who can change the culture and get the best out of the players. Rhule proved he can do that down in Waco, and Jerry Jones simpy has to take notice.