THE Dallas Cowboys reportedly have their eyes on former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who was fired by owner Woody Johnson just five games into the season.
The Cowboys mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday after his contract with the team expired last week. The decision not to bring back McCarthy came as a surprise to some after he reportedly rejected Chicago Bears’ request to interview him after the season.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks on the field after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
McCarthy was 49-35 in Dallas. Despite going 7-10 this season, he led the Cowboys to the playoffs with a 12-5 record in three straight seasons.
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Yet Jones chose to go in a different direction.
This direction appears to be in favor of former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
The team is expected to interview Saleh, which would be their first “known request,” according to NFL Network.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh congratulates New York Jets running back Breece Hall and quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Jets scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots at during the third shift, Thursday, September 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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Saleh, who previously served as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, has a scheduled interview with the Las Vegas Raiders and is considered the favorite for the vacancy with the Jacksonville Jaguars, replacing Doug Pederson.
The Jets went 2-3 this season under Saleh before being fired and replaced by interim head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The team’s struggles only worsened despite the change, leading to another missed playoff season.
Saleh was 20-36 with two different quarterbacks: first-round pick Zach Wilson and four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Robert Saleh (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Other names mentioned in the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach include former players Deion Sanders and Jason Witten.
