NFL Exec on Bill Belichick: Cowboys a 'Sleeper' Candidate, Falcons 'Odds-on Favorite'

The Dallas Cowboys are a "sleeper" candidate for head coach Bill Belichick if he were to move on from the New England Patriots, according to one NFL executive interviewed by The Athletic's Mike Sando.

However, the same exec conceded the Atlanta Falcons look like the "odds-on favorite" for Belichick right now.

Along the same lines, The MMQB's Albert Breer reported "no less than a half dozen people I've talked to over the past week have linked the Falcons to [Belichick]." In addition, Dianna Russini called Atlanta a "team to watch":

Albert Breer of The MMQB reported on The Rich Eisen Show in November the Cowboys and Washington Commanders were the franchises "most connected" with the legendary coach.

NBC Sports' Peter King had also written days earlier that Dallas "could be in play" depending on the status of Mike McCarthy. In his newest column posted Monday morning, King returned to the idea:

"I think one statement surprised me in post-week-18 football. It was this from Jerry Jones, asked about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy. 'We'll see how each game goes in the playoffs,' Jones said. When I read that, my first thought was that Jones wants insurance in case Dallas has an embarrassing end to its season. Second thought: Jones wants a shot at Bill Belichick."

The Cowboys won 12 games for the third straight season and claimed their second NFC East title under McCarthy. Still, his job might be far from safe despite the consistent success he has delivered in the regular season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday there's a sense "McCarthy will be measured by how Dallas' final game goes."

"If the Cowboys play well in the postseason, McCarthy would have an excellent chance to keep his job," Schefter wrote. "But if they struggle and end the season with an embarrassing loss, as has happened in each of the past two years, then some say that change could come to Dallas."

Some of the sheen has come off for Belichick thanks to the Patriots' struggles after Tom Brady's departure. New England's 4-13 record in 2023 was his worst finish ever.

But the 71-year-old is still seemingly suited for a contender that just needs one more push to get over the top. In terms of short-term solutions, it's tough to find a better replacement for McCarthy if Jones determines change is required on the sideline.