Reported List of Coaching Candidates to Replace Cowboys' Jason Garrett is Pretty Wild
By Michael Luciano
The Dallas Cowboys are almost assuredly going to be looking for a new head coach after Jason Garrett keeps finding new ways to embarrass himself, and it looks like they will not be going the traditional route in finding a replacement.
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley and Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott are reportedly among the names being considered for the job.
Jerry Jones says Jason Garrett will remain the coach but I can confirm a very real interest in Urban Meyer. In fact, I'm told Stephen Jones spoke with him recently. Lincoln Riley remains a strong candidate & file this name as a possibility Clemson OC Tony Elliott per sources.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) December 6, 2019
Meyer, currently an analyst for FOX and assistant athletic director at Ohio State, has remained adamant, for the most part, that he is done coaching. However, a few months ago on The Herd, he did say the Cowboys job would be one he would not be able to turn down.
.@ColinCowherd: Would Lincoln Riley consider leaving Oklahoma for the Cowboys?@CoachUrbanMeyer: I can't speak for him. I hate to even speculate... That's the one job in professional football you say, 'I've got to go do that'. pic.twitter.com/nBNgpNUaZa
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 18, 2019
Riley, who has coached two Heisman winners and No. 1 overall picks in two seasons at Oklahoma and could have a third Heisman candidate on the way in Jalen Hurts, would be following the trend of young, offensive coaches. However, he would come with years of experience and success at the college level.
Elliott, one of Dabo Swinney's top assistants, is the wild card here. He has been interviewed for several head coaching jobs, including the Georgia Tech job last offseason, but he was passed over in favor of Geoff Collins. With no head coaching experience, the leap from Clemson OC to Cowboys HC would be massive.
Lincoln Riley won't leave OU for that dumpster fire.
— Daniel McCormack (@Dannymac1944) December 6, 2019
Garrett will get you a .500 record with just about anyone you put around him, but mediocrity isn't something that Jerry Jones is willing to accept for a long period of time. That could, and should, prompt a change at the top here pretty soon.