3 New Year's resolutions Jerry Jones should make to bring Cowboys back to winning ways

The Dallas Cowboys, for the first time since 2020, are out of the playoffs. It was somewhat expected after they lost key pieces and failed to sufficiently bolster their needs.

However, the extent to which they fell was unprecedented with lopsided home losses to the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans and getting swept by the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since 2011.

It's now 2025, and owner/general manager Jerry Jones has a few important things to restore his franchise's previous winning ways. But what are they?

---

#3, Hire a new defensive coordinator

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

With Dan Quinn at the helm, the Cowboys' defense was one of the best, leading the league in turnovers in his three seasons with the team. That was why, after he left to become the head coach of the divisional rival Washington Commanders, his successor would have high expectations to match or surpass.

It's safe to say that Mike Zimmer has failed to do so in his second stint. The game has painfully passed him by, and it's time for a new name to take over, like Robert Saleh.

#2, Hire a new head coach

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

Speaking of new faces ...

Mike McCarthy's future is something of an enigma. On one hand, he was consistently successful from 2021 to 2023, leading the Cowboys to consecutive 12-5 records and winning the NFC East twice in that span.

On the other, they have yet to make even just the NFC championship game, extending the drought to almost 30 years. And he is ending his current contract the same way he began it – with a losing record and an injured Dak Prescott.

Jerry Jones says he is proud of his coach's work, but that does not preclude him from seeking a replacement. And he has a plethora of good options, like Saleh.

#1, Draft Ashton Jeanty

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl - Penn State vs. Boise State - Source: Getty

Remember when the Cowboys passed up on multiple running back prospects in the 2024 draft?

It was somewhat expected after they brought back Ezekiel Elliott, but it still badly stings given his eventual poor performance. For 2025, running back is once again the top priority; and there is one name that they must pursue at all costs: Ashton Jeanty.

The Boise State Bronco has been monstrously prolific, getting Heisman votes and helping his team reach the College Football Playoff. He is a game-changer the likes of which have never been seen since, well, Elliott in the 2010s; and Jones should prioritize getting him above anything else come April.