The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy after a 7-10 season. McCarthy had a career record of 49-35 with Dallas, but the two sides could not agree on a contract. The Cowboys now turn their focus to interviewing candidates who can lead the Americas team back to the playoffs.
Cowboys Request to Interview Former Head Coach
The Dallas Cowboys have requested to interview former head coach Leslie Frazier for their vacant head coach position. Frazier, a former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He coached the Vikings from 2010-2013 however, Frazier accumulated a measly record of 21-32-1. Frazier has defensive coordinator experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills.
Why Frazier Could Be the Guy
Dallas has a roster that is ready to compete now. Hiring a first-time head coach is risky when the roster is good enough to make the playoffs. Frazier brings loads of defensive experience, a unit that struggled for the Cowboys last season. The Dallas’ defense allowed a whopping 27.4 points per game last season, the second-worst mark in the NFL. Frazier’s experience could lead this unit to a turnaround. With the offense set to get quarterback Dak Prescott back next season, most of the focus in Dallas is likely on improving defensively.
Frazier has proven to be an effective defensive play-caller, a trait that owner Jerry Jones might desire in the Cowboys’ next head coach. The secondary needs improvement, but the defense has a franchise player in star linebacker Micah Parsons. Frazier can help sore up other areas of the defense, and with Parsons continuing to wreak havoc, the Cowboys’ defense could see improvement quickly if Frazier were to be hired.
Potential Issues With Frazier
Frazier struggled mightily in his only stint as an NFL head coach. The Vikings finished last in the NFC North three out of the four years Frazier was at the helm. Frazier is not a great offensive mind, something the Cowboys may value in their next head coach. Also, quite frankly, Frazier is old. If hired, it won’t be very long before he will be ready to retire. Dallas will want their next head coach to be there for the long haul. At Frazier’s age, that just isn’t likely to happen.
Offensively, Frazier may struggle with assembling an offense for today’s game. He has been coaching for a long time, and the game has changed mightily over the last 15 years. If Frazier is unwilling to create an offensive system fit for today’s game, he won’t be a good fit for the Cowboys.
Will Frazier End Up With The Cowboys?
Jerry Jones has a massive decision in front of him. The next head coach in Dallas needs to be someone who can capitalize on the current roster, which is ready to compete in the playoffs now. Whether or not Frazier ends up with the Cowboys depends entirely on what Jerry Jones is looking for in candidates. If he wants a defensive-minded coach to help shore up that unit, Frazier could be the guy. However, if he wants an offensive-minded coach, Frazier would be a terrible fit.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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