The Dallas Cowboys have had a tumultuous month, and owner Jerry Jones is feeling the heat. After a disappointing 7-10 season, the team is on the hunt for a new head coach, following the departure of Mike McCarthy after five seasons at the helm. Adding to the pressure, Jones is watching as his former coaches, Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn, prepare to battle it out in the NFC Championship game. Moore, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, has been instrumental in leading Philadelphia to success, while Quinn, who previously served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, is now at the helm of the Washington Commanders.
AT&T Stadium’s CFP Snub
In a further blow to Jones, AT&T Stadium will not be hosting the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship in 2029. This news comes as a disappointment for the Cowboys owner, who has seen the venue host significant college football events since it opened in 2010. WFAA reported that the Cotton Bowl, which oversees the bidding for events at AT&T Stadium, has decided to withdraw its bid for the championship game.
What led to this decision? One of the key factors was uncertainty surrounding the completion of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas by 2029. This venue is expected to play a crucial role in hosting championship-related festivities, making it a pivotal element in the bidding process.
Future Opportunities at Jerry World
Despite this setback, not all is lost for AT&T Stadium. The Cotton Bowl will still host a number of games as part of a new deal between ESPN and the CFP, which will kick off in the 2026-27 season. Under this agreement, Jerry World is set to host semifinal games in two of the first three years (2026-27 and 2028-29) and a quarterfinal in the third year (2027-28). This means that while the championship game may be out of reach, the stadium will continue to be a significant player in college football.
Looking Back: The Cotton Bowl Legacy
The Cotton Bowl has been a staple at AT&T Stadium since its inception, having moved from the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, where it was played from 1937 to 2009. The venue has become synonymous with high-stakes college football, hosting thrilling matchups and memorable moments. In fact, the last time AT&T Stadium hosted a College Football Championship was in 2015, showcasing its ability to attract major events.
This year, the Cotton Bowl featured a matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns, with Ohio State emerging victorious. However, the game was not without its challenges, as severe winter weather threatened to disrupt the festivities. Fortunately, the snowstorm did not postpone the contest, allowing fans to enjoy the action.
Jones’s Coaching Dilemma
As the Cowboys search for a new head coach, the spotlight is on Kellen Moore, who is currently viewed as the front-runner for the position. Moore, a former Cowboys quarterback, served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022 and has since helped elevate the Eagles’ offense, which ranked seventh in the league this season. His success has only intensified the pressure on Jones as he weighs his options.
With the Cowboys’ recent struggles and the need for a fresh start, will Jones take a chance on a familiar face? The decision could shape the future of the franchise, and fans are eager to see how this unfolds.
The Road Ahead for the Cowboys
As the Cowboys navigate this challenging period, they are not only contending with the search for a new head coach but also facing the reality of missed opportunities. The decision to withdraw from the CFP National Championship bid is a stark reminder that the franchise is at a crossroads. With the NFL playoffs in full swing, Jones will be watching closely as his former coaches compete for a shot at the Super Bowl.
The upcoming NFC Championship game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Washington Commanders, with both Moore and Quinn looking to make their mark. For Jones, this situation is bittersweet; he must grapple with the fact that his former staff is thriving elsewhere while he seeks to rebuild his own team.
Upcoming Championship Games
As the NFL playoff picture becomes clearer, fans are gearing up for the conference championships:
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NFC Championship Game: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (Fox)
Sunday, January 26, 3 PM ET - AFC Championship Game: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS)
Sunday, January 26, 6:30 PM ET
The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as teams vie for a spot in the Super Bowl. For the Cowboys, the focus remains on finding a new leader who can guide the franchise back to prominence.
In the world of the NFL, change is constant, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. With a new head coach on the horizon and a commitment to maintaining their legacy in college football, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are poised to navigate the challenges ahead. Will this be the turning point the franchise needs? Only time will tell.
