Following the Dallas Cowboys' surprising decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, Hall of Famer Troy Aikman expressed concerns about the team's direction. The split reportedly stemmed from disagreements over contract length, leaving the Cowboys scrambling to find a replacement.
Aikman, speaking before a playoff game, voiced his surprise at the move, stating, "It suggests that there's not a real plan." He questioned the desirability of the Cowboys' head coaching position, despite the team's high profile, noting that incoming coaches often struggle to implement their own vision. Aikman, a former Cowboys quarterback, expressed his affection for the team but admitted reservations about the attractiveness of the head coaching role.
While acknowledging former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as a logical candidate, Aikman cautioned that any new coach might face constraints. McCarthy's tenure, which began in 2020, saw initial struggles followed by two division titles and playoff appearances in 2021-2023. However, the team failed to reach the NFC Championship. The Cowboys' disappointing 7-10 record in 2024, marred by Dak Prescott's season-ending injury, ultimately sealed McCarthy's fate.