Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is just keeping the seat warm ahead of Bill Belichick’s impending arrival in Dallas.
That’s what former New England cornerback Asante Samuel is speculating, recently stating on ESPN Radio that Belichick — who isn’t coaching this season after his Patriots breakup — could lead the Cowboys if team owner Jerry Jones moves on from McCarthy, now entering the final year of his contract.
“Jerry Jones, he loves his players, he treats them right. Something’s going on this year, and I think that leads to next year, to say Bill Belichick will be the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys,” said Samuel, who rarely minces words about his former coach.
“And it ultimately comes down to Jerry Jones. And Jerry Jones wants to win a [Super] Bowl. For him to get that Bowl, his options are running out. And that last option for him to make this thing come to light is Bill Belichick.”
The Cowboys, who haven’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in nearly 30 years, are coming off yet another disappointing playoff run following a strong 12-5 regular season.
Though there was plenty of speculation about McCarthy’s job security following Dallas’ wild-card playoff ouster to the Packers — a 48-32 loss in Jerry World, no less — Jones later confirmed McCarthy would return but on an expiring deal.
McCarthy, 60, originally joined the Cowboys in 2020 following 13 seasons with the Packers, with whom he won a Super Bowl.
Should Dallas fail to meet its lofty expectations in 2024, a possible shakeup at the top could result in the door opening to Belichick’s head coaching return.
A six-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots, Belichick parted ways with the storied franchise in January after 24 seasons at the helm.
He later interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching vacancy, a job that eventually went to former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Belichick, 72, has made the most of his time away from the football field this offseason, lining up media opportunities while also taking in the dreamy Nantucket landscape with his girlfriend, 23-year-old cheerleader Jordon Hudson.
Samuel, 43, played for the Patriots under Belichick from 2003-07, winning two Super Bowls.
The Cowboys will visit the Browns in Week 1 on Sept. 8.
