Dallas Cowboys 2023 Props: Will Coach Mike McCarthy Keep His Job?

Despite being the highest-valued sports franchise in the world, the Dallas Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since the 1995 NFL season, and this season, they even had decent Super Bowl odds. Owner Jerry Jones, 80, is eager to win one more ring before he passes away, and may take drastic measures after the Cowboys’ latest disappointment in the playoffs, losing 19-12 to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the 2022-23 NFL playoffs.

Although America’s Team seems to have no trouble making the playoffs, they have struggled to advance far in recent years. In fact, this marked the 12th straight postseason that the Cowboys failed to advance to the NFC conference title game, an unwanted NFL record. Other teams that have faced similar struggles having failed to play in a conference title game since 1996 include the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders. Thankfully, that’s about all Dallas has in common with those franchises.

Furthermore, Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott finished tied with the NFL lead for interceptions, with 15 in just 12 games played during the regular season. This record was set despite him missing five games, marking the first QB in history to ever lead or co-lead the NFL in interceptions when missing at least five games. Then, in the 19-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, he threw two more interceptions, both leading to field goals for the 49ers. And due to his large contract, the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is stuck with Dak as the team’s quarterback going into next season.

Let’s break down some 2023 props on the Cowboys via online sportsbooks.

Is McCarthy’s Replacement Already on Staff?

The main issue for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason revolves around Coach Mike McCarthy. Despite a solid record of 30 wins and 20 losses in three regular seasons with the team, and two consecutive playoff appearances, McCarthy’s future with the Cowboys remains uncertain. Unlike many other NFL franchises, a successful regular season record may not be enough to secure a raise or further contract with Dallas. Additionally, McCarthy is now 0-4 in his playoff career against the 49ers (with losses from both his time with the Packers and Cowboys), which ties Tom Landry (versus the Rams) for the most losses by a head coach against a single team in NFL playoff history.

As a result, the future of Coach Mike McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys is in question, as owner Jerry Jones faces the potential loss of in-demand coordinators Kellen Moore (offensive) and Dan Quinn (defensive). Plus, Quinn’s strong defensive performance during the recent postseason and prior head coaching experience may lead to him being quickly hired by another team, forcing Jones to act quickly to retain him. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to remain a strong NFL contender.

Assuming it’s not McCarthy, the NFL betting favorite to be the Cowboys’ head coach by Week 1 of the 2023 season is former New Orleans Saints coach and Cowboys assistant Sean Payton at odds of +140 followed by Quinn (+175) and Moore (+210).

The odds for Dallas to make the playoffs again in 2023 is -200 and +150 for them to miss out. In terms of free agents, running back Tony Pollard, who broke his leg in the Niners’ loss, tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, and kicker Brett Maher are the top names to watch this upcoming offseason.

The odds of kicker Brett Maher being on the Cowboys roster by the start of next season are -300 for Yes and +200 for No. Despite having a strong regular season, Maher caught a case of the yips in the playoffs in missing four straight PATs in the Wild Card game against Tampa Bay, and then his first PAT vs. the Niners was blocked, though it likely would have missed regardless.