The Complete List Of Dallas Cowboys Coaches: From Tom Landry To Mike McCarthy

The Dallas Cowboys franchise has been defined by legendary coaches who shaped the franchise's identity over six decades. From the foundational brilliance of Tom Landry to the modern strategic acumen of Mike McCarthy, each leader has left an indelible mark on the team's history. This article provides a comprehensive look at the men who have led the Cowboys, detailing their tenures, achievements, and the lasting impact they've had on America's Team.

To understand the Dallas Cowboys is to trace the evolution of their leadership. The franchise's success is inextricably linked to the strategic minds and distinct personalities of its head coaches. This journey through the sideline chronicles the key figures who transformed the Cowboys from an expansion team into a global sports icon.

The inaugural head coach of the Cowboys was Tom Landry, a figure synonymous with the franchise's early identity and sustained excellence. His tenure, which lasted 29 years from 1960 to 1988, is the longest in NFL history for a single team. Landry's stoic demeanor and innovative defensive schemes, including the famed "Doomsday Defense," defined an era. He led the team to its first five Super Bowl appearances and two championships in the 1970s.

Tom Landry: The Builder of a Dynasty

1960–1969: Laying the Foundation

Tom Landry took the helm of the expansion Dallas Cowboys in 1960, establishing a meticulous and disciplined approach that became the team's hallmark. His early years were focused on building a competitive roster and a winning culture from scratch. Under his guidance, the Cowboys evolved from a fledgling team in their initial years to a consistent playoff contender by the mid-1960s.

1970–1979: The Championship Era

The 1970s marked the golden age of the Landry-led Cowboys. The team captured its first NFL championship in 1971 by defeating the Miami Dolphins. They solidified their status as a powerhouse by winning Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos in the 1978 season. Landry's ability to adapt and his keen eye for talent, exemplified by players like Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, and Drew Pearson, made the Cowboys a model franchise.

1980–1988: The Bittersweet End

Even in the later stages of his tenure, Landry's Cowboys remained competitive. They reached Super Bowl XIII in the 1979 season and Super Bowl XX in 1985, though they would fall short on both occasions. The 1988 season, which saw the team miss the playoffs, led to Landry's dismissal, ending a remarkable era that defined the franchise for generations.

Following Landry's departure, the Cowboys entered a period of transition and experimentation. Several coaches took the reins, each bringing their own philosophy but struggling to recapture the consistent success of the Landry years. This era was characterized by rapid changes and a search for a new identity.

The coaching carousel during this time included:

* **21. Tom Landry (1960–1988)**

* **22. Jimmy Johnson (1989–1993)**

* **23. Barry Switzer (1994–1997)**

* **24. Dave Campo (1998–2002)**

* **25. Bill Parcells (2003–2006)**

* **26. Wade Phillips (2007–2010)**

* **27. Chan Gailey (2011–2012)**

* **28. Jason Garrett (2011–2019)**

* **29. Mike McCarthy (2020–present)**

Jimmy Johnson, hired in 1989, brought a fiery intensity and a "Do Your Job" mantra that resonated with the squad. His tenure is most remembered for the "Triplets" era of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Johnson orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the 1992 and 1993 seasons (XXVII and XXVIII). His aggressive player personnel moves, including the draft-day trade for Emmitt Smith, revitalized the franchise and set the stage for its 1990s dominance.

Barry Switzer, a legendary college coach from Oklahoma, brought a championship pedigree and a larger-than-life personality to the Cowboys. His tenure from 1994 to 1997 was defined by the powerful running of Emmitt Smith and the emerging star of quarterback Troy Aikman. Switzer led the Cowboys to a victory in Super Bowl XXX in the 1995 season, securing the franchise's third championship. However, his time in Dallas was also marked by significant salary cap challenges and a gradual decline in on-field performance after Switzer's departure.

Following Switzer, the Cowboys cycled through Dave Campo and Bill Parcells—the latter being a coaching legend with a storied career elsewhere. Parcells' time in Dallas was a mix of promise and frustration. While he brought a championship pedigree and a keen football mind, his tenure was hampered by injuries to key players, most notably quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and an inability to fully implement his defensive system. He left after the 2006 season with a 46-38 record but without a postseason victory.

The late 2000s and early 2010s saw the Cowboys under the leadership of Wade Phillips and Chan Gailey. Phillips, serving as interim head coach after Parcells, was tasked with a rebuild and managed to secure a playoff berth in 2009. Chan Gailey's tenure was defined by the development of young quarterback Tony Romo and a high-powered offense, but it ultimately fell short of expectations, ending with a disappointing 8-8 record in 2012.

No list of Dallas Cowboys coaches would be complete without a deep dive into the tenure of Jason Garrett. Garrett's path to the head coach position was unique, as he initially took over as interim coach in 2011 before being named the permanent head coach later that season. His nearly nine-year tenure was the longest of any Cowboys coach since Tom Landry. Garrett was known for his calm demeanor, his mastery of the flexbone triple-option offense, and his ability to develop quarterbacks, most notably Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. His era was one of consistency, with the team achieving double-digit wins in seven of his first eight seasons and securing eight consecutive postseason appearances from 2013 to 2020.

In 2020, the Cowboys ushered in a new era with the hiring of Mike McCarthy, a proven winner from the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy brought a veteran presence and a methodical approach to the sideline. His first season was a resounding success, as he guided the Cowboys to the NFC East division title and a playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks. His leadership has been a stabilizing force, and he has shown a remarkable ability to adapt his game plan week-to-week. Under his guidance, the Cowboys have remained a perennial contender in the competitive NFC East.

The evolution of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff reflects the franchise's own journey. Each coach has contributed a distinct chapter to the team's legacy, building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors while facing the unique challenges of their respective eras. From Landry's pioneering defensive genius to Johnson's championship swagger and Garrett's modern offensive innovation, the list of Dallas Cowboys coaches is a testament to the enduring power of great leadership in professional sports.