2024 NFL Bold Prediction: Bill Belichick replaces Mike McCarthy as Cowboys coach after season

Could Bill Belichick replace Mike McCarthy as the Dallas Cowboys head coach after the 2024 season? NFL.com’s Judy Battista put it on her bold predictions for the 2024 campaign.

Belichick, after not getting a job this cycle following his departure from the New England Patriots, seems like a coach in waiting. It’s to-be-determined what his future will be, other than television appearances on the ManningCast this season.

This could essentially be a make or break year for McCarthy and the Cowboys.

“This doesn’t even really seem like that bold a prediction,” Battista wrote. “The Cowboys have had a startlingly quiet offseason, while the Eagles have upgraded their roster. The Cowboys have enough talent, including Dak Prescott, to make the playoffs as a wild card, but with another early playoff exit in the offing, Jerry Jones does what many expected him to do this offseason: let Mike McCarthy go. McCarthy is coaching in the final year of his contract, so that won’t even be a surprise. 

“Neither will Jones hiring Bill Belichick. It’s still bizarre that Belichick doesn’t have an NFL job, and it feels a little like owners overthought things a little bit. If you have a talented roster and need someone to address details and mindset, Belichick is your guy. He won’t coach for long — maybe a few years — but Jones can figure out a succession plan after he finally hoists another Lombardi Trophy.”

How much more does Belichick have in the tank? It’s a fair question. It’s a large reason why the Eagles ultimately passed on really diving into a job interview, according to an April ESPN report.

“There’s also a belief that Belichick will coach only until he gets 15 more wins, enough to pass Don Shula as the winningest coach in NFL history,” the ESPN report read. “Though not seriously considering a move, Lurie wondered to a confidant: Was it worth overhauling the building, changing personnel and philosophies on everything from training staff to salary cap structure, for someone who might coach only two years?”

Aside from his previous Giants connection, the Cowboys and Washington Commanders were potential matches for the former Patriots coach. The sources told ESPN both Dallas and Washington had their appeal: sticking it to Robert Kraft (Cowboys) and being closer to Annapolis (Commanders).

As far as the future, there might not be one on the sidelines for the six-time Super Bowl champion.