Unsurprisingly, Jerry Jones is ‘on a solo mission’ in Cowboys coaching search

Jerry Jones is doing things his way, and that means he's going solo.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones smiles as he watches organized team activities at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

When Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, he decided he wanted to do things his way. That remains the case in 2025, which is evident as he's searching for his ninth coach and the 10th in franchise history.

Jones forced Mike McCarthy to spend the 2024 season without any job security and seemed to believe the coach would just come back with no questions asked. McCarthy reportedly grew tired of the indecision from the owner/general manager and will pursue other options.

MORE: Kellen Moore addresses Cowboys' head coaching vacancy speculation

That's left Jones without a plan that anyone can truly see — although NFL insider Jane Slater says he is making some calls. The problem is that she then said Jones hasn't spoken with Kellen Moore, Kliff Kingsbury, Jon Gruden, or Steve Sarkisian.

Slater added that Jones is on a "solo mission," which is a concern if that means he's not getting input from those around him.

A lot to unpack here. Been on the phone non stop here is what I’ve gathered from Deion to Witt to Kellen. Jerry is currently on a solo mission. No official interviews or calls even placed to some. Here is what I have gathered for you. #CowboysHCSearch pic.twitter.com/9OzVVwy7Cz

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 15, 2025

The one person Slater says Jones has spoken to is Deion Sanders, although she said she's still trying to run down whether or not this story has legs.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders | Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

She does say the two know "they can command the headlines," which gives credence to the belief that this pairing won't happen.

MORE: Mike McCarthy ruined Jerry Jones master plan for Jason Witten

Perhaps the most alarming statement made by Slater is that Jones doesn't like to pay his coaches very much money. We've seen him and his son Stephen Jones lowball players in free agency, which could be a problem in the coaching search as well.

In the end, Slater has had to do a lot of speculating since Jones isn't showing his hand much at all.

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