Even by their standards, the Dallas Cowboys’ handling of the Mike McCarthy problem was incredibly inept. McCarthy’s retirement, which was formally announced on Monday, could not have come at a worse time.

After praising McCarthy for leading the Cowboys through a turbulent season, Jerry Jones turned around and snubbed him at the negotiating table, denying him an interview with the Chicago Bears.

The irony of it all is that, in the end, McCarthy might wind up with the Bears. Moreover, the tea leaves imply that McCarthy, not the front office, was the reason for the split. When Jones knew he wouldn’t receive a good offer, he gave McCarthy all the leverage and reacted appropriately.

Following McCarthy’s interviews and eventual destination will be fascinating. However, who the Cowboys choose to replace him is a more interesting story.

Naturally, the club hasn’t scheduled any interviews yet, but it didn’t take long for a top prospect to surface early on.

Ian Rapoport, an NFL media insider, thinks that whenever the Cowboys step up their search, Kellen Moore, an old friend who is currently the offensive coordinator for the Eagles, will be a name to keep an eye on.

“Just based on the timing the Cowboys can’t interview anyone on the Chiefs, can’t interview anyone with the Lions,” Rapoport stated. “They will have to wait for a minute if they wish to do so. The offensive coordinator for the Eagles, Kellen Moore, would undoubtedly be someone to watch. The Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new coach is going to be incredibly fascinating. I anticipate a more thorough one than the one they conducted the last time, which was completely lacking in scope.

Familiarity is the one thing that the Joneses value more than experience. Moore has a lengthy history with the Cowboys, of course. He alternated between the practice squad and the active roster during his two seasons with Dallas as a backup quarterback. He used to play alongside Dak Prescott and a few of the team’s veterans.

In addition to having his lone NFL playing experience with the Cowboys, Moore also had his first coaching experience with the five-time champions. Prior to being fired following the 2022 season, he served as the team’s offensive coordinator for four years, which was mainly successful, after beginning as the quarterbacks coach in 2018.

This is one of the reasons why McCarthy feels insulted by Dallas’s unavoidable interest in Moore. McCarthy was the driving force behind Moore’s departure. To put it mildly, Moore and McCarthy’s relationship on the Cowboys bench during Moore’s final season was unpleasant. They clearly didn’t agree, and McCarthy wanted to take over the play-calling. That offseason, Moore was relieved of his responsibilities, much to the pleasure of Cowboys supporters.

Although it’s unclear if that choice soured relations with Moore, the fact that Moore has already been mentioned by Rapoport and veteran Cowboys writer Ed Werder as a possible contender implies Dallas will be waiting for the Eagles’ season to finish in the background.

If the interest is reciprocal, only time will tell.

Read More at:https://sportupdates.co.uk