NFL analyst names two early contenders to replace “lame duck” Mike McCarthy after 2024 season

Mike McCarthy's firing scenarios are nothing new for the Dallas Cowboys. For years, analysts have predicted the end of the head coach's tenure with the team. However, with Dak Prescott still waiting for his deal and a growing potential to leave, changes might be on the horizon.

On Tuesday morning's edition of "Get Up," NFL analysts Ryan Clark and Jeff Darlington spoke about a new era for the team after 2024.

"You know Mike McCarthy is not going to be back as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year because they're not going to the NFC Championship," Clark said. "There's going to be a regression because you haven't done anything. You're entering this season as a lame duck."

Darlington then jumped in to name two Patriots alumni:

"You have Mike Vrabel and Bill Belichick constantly looking over your shoulder, teasing the owners that didn't hire him last year, saying, 'If you want me, come and get me.' They are going to be there just hovering above any coach who struggles, namely the one in Dallas," he said.

Of course, with Belichick potentially hungry to force fans to second-guess the Brady-Belichick debate, pairing up with Dak Prescott gives him more ammunition than he had in New England. Meanwhile, Vrabel is also hungry to prove that the Titans moving on from him was a season too early.

Cowboys DC serves as potential third candidate to replace Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy at Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys

While Darlington looked externally for an option to replace the Cowboys head coach, the successor could already be on the staff.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 until 2021. The defensive-minded coach helped his team reach three playoff berths, including an NFC championship appearance in 2017, per Pro Football Reference.

With a solid head coaching background, Zimmer appears to be the front-runner to take over as interim head coach if the team struggles this season. As a result, Jerry Jones may already have his top choice for the future head coach in place.

Could Mike Zimmer emerge as the team's head coach in a move similar to the Las Vegas Raiders' choice to stick with interim head coach Antonio Pierce? Let us know in the comments.

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.