If Dallas Cowboys fans have learned anything from the Jason Garrett era, it's that Jerry Jones is going to stick with his coach.
But if the the team does decide to go in a different direction, ESPN's NFL insiders believe there's a candidate out there that would be a "natural" fit in Arlington.
Graziano: ... As teams sift through the annual pool of coordinators who haven't yet proven themselves as a top guy, Vrabel has done it and done it well. ... So I expect Vrabel to be in high demand. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a look in Chicago or Dallas (if Dallas comes open). Any ideas on where Vrabel might land?
Fowler: Some around the league have noted the Cowboys as a natural fit. They valued experience and pedigree with their last hire in Mike McCarthy and could lean that way again, if they decide to make a change at all. The Raiders make a lot of sense, should that job open. I don't necessarily see the Saints or Jets as the play, though it's early. Jacksonville feels like a possibility, too.
On Monday night's broadcast, Cowboys legend Troy Aikman said that he expects Dallas to retain McCarthy despite some of the disappointments they've experienced over the past few years.
"Short of Bill Belichick, I don't know who you're going to bring in that has a better resume," the Hall of Famer admitted. "... I just feel that for a team that I really do not think is that far away ... I like the way this team is playing right now, even without their franchise quarterback."
"I sense that it's a team that really believes in Mike McCarthy," he continued. "I feel the locker room wants him back. I think he's a really good football coach. I believe Jerry Jones thinks he's a really good football coach, too. ... As we stand and talk right now, I expect Mike McCarthy to be back in 2025."
That may be the last thing fans in Big D want to hear but all signs seem to be pointing to Mike McCarthy staying in Dallas.
But the Vrabel aspect is interesting and certainly something worth watching as the end of the year unfolds.
