We're closing in on 48 hours since the Dallas Cowboys job opened and so far the only name confirmed to have spoken with the club is Deion Sanders.
This, it turns out, is by design.
Jane Slater reported on NFL Network that Jerry Jones is running the Cowboys head coaching search himself, and hasn't spoken to any suspected candidate for the position outside of his former cornerback/wide receiver/punt returner.
"It sounds like Jerry's been on a bit of a solo mission. He is picking up the phone, he is making calls," Slater said. "It's my understanding that he has not yet called Kellen Moore, he has not yet called Kliff Kingsbury, he has not yet called (Steve) Sarkisian down at the University of Texas.... Pete Carroll is another name out there, and Jon Gruden. Jon Gruden has not gotten a call yet, that's my understanding."
A lot to unpack here. Been on the phone non stop here is what I’ve gathered from Deion to Witt to Kellen. Jerry is currently on a solo mission. No official interviews or calls even placed to some. Here is what I have gathered for you. #CowboysHCSearch pic.twitter.com/9OzVVwy7Cz
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 15, 2025
A note Slater said before discussing candidates -- or, should we say, suspected candidates -- cuts at the heart of the issue: Jones's view on the role of the head coach in general.
"Mike McCarthy was asked to reduce his staff, and Jerry is not really high on paying his coaches," Slater said.
Jones has repeatedly said "500" coaches could serve as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. It was a line he used when discussing Jimmy Johnson's success with the dynastic Cowboys of 30 years ago, and a line he used again when discussing McCarthy's future with the organization this season.
Jones has also encouraged/demanded head coaches place certain assistants on staffs of previous head coaches. He encouraged Bill Parcells to keep defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, hired Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator before hiring Wade Phillips as head coach, and encouraged/demanded McCarthy keep Kellen Moore on as offensive coordinator.
On that point, Slater reported Jones was in discussions to place Jason Witten on McCarthy's staff before that became a moot point.
All point to Jones's belief -- backed up by 30 years of reality -- that the owner is the ultimate tone-setter inside the building, with the head coach serving as just another team employee.
"I love the Dallas Cowboys, I played there for 12 years, I wish them well, but to say that it's a coveted job, I'm not sure I would necessarily agree with that," Troy Aikman said on ESPN on Monday.
NFL Network reported Wednesday that the Cowboys have requested permission to speak with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh is said to be a favorite for the open Jacksonville Jaguars job, so if Saleh is a real candidate for Dallas, Jones will have to move quickly.
But if history is any lesson, the Cowboys search will move at Jerry's pace, and Jerry's pace alone.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.