Dallas Cowboys coaching search: Jimmy Johnson reveals surprising 'key figures,' impact of Dak Prescott

As the Dallas Cowboys work through their coaching search, a franchise legend weighed in. Jimmy Johnson addressed the looming decision for Jerry Jones, including how Dak Prescott impacts things.

Johnson pointed out two “key figures” in the search to replace Mike McCarthy after he and the Cowboys parted ways this week. Current Dallas offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is on Johnson’s list, as is Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who interviewed virtually on Friday.

The reason Johnson would start with those two names is simple. Prescott thrived in the current offensive scheme, first run by Moore and called by McCarthy the last two years. Schottenheimer moved up to OC after Moore’s departure, and that familiarity with Prescott could be important.

“This decision is tied directly to the quarterback, Dak Prescott,” Johnson said Saturday ahead of the Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders playoff game. “He signed a $240 million contract, got a no-trade clause. He’s had tremendous success in this system, so it doesn’t make sense to bring in a new offensive system.

“The two key figures here – Brian Schottenheimer, the offensive coordinator for Dallas. Like I said, Dak’s done a great job in that system. The other key figure is Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator for Philadelphia. He is very close to Dak, he was the offensive coordinator prior to Schottenheimer. Now, Jerry, he can surprise us with a decision. But I think those two key guys are the ones you start with.”

Moore’s name is a hot one around the Cowboys’ coaching search. He, of course, is a familiar name in Dallas. He played for the Cowboys from 2015-17 before getting his coaching career started with the franchise, beginning as quarterbacks coach in 2018 and offensive coordinator from 2019-22 under McCarthy. Moore then spent a year with the Los Angeles Chargers in the role and is currently with the Philadelphia Eagles.

During Moore’s time as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, the franchise was a Top-10 unit three times in four years. That includes the 2021 season when Dallas led the NFL in both points and yards en route to the first of three straight 12-win seasons.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Cowboys will also have an in-person conversation with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Saturday. He also confirmed colleague Tom Pelissero’s report Leslie Frazier will interview in-person on Monday.