Report: Cowboys Can't Interview Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn Until After Lions' Season

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly chose to move on from head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday, but the timing of their decision could come back to bite them.

Per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, by waiting a week to part ways with McCarthy, the Cowboys will now have to wait until after the Detroit Lions' season ends before they can speak to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who are two of the top head coaching candidates on the market.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that the Cowboys and McCarthy couldn't agree to terms on the length of a new contract. He will be free to begin negotiating with other teams at midnight. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are expected to be interested in speaking with him regarding their head coaching openings.

Both Lions coordinators were free to start interviewing with teams virtually during Detroit's bye week in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. Johnson interviewed with the Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. Glenn also spoke with the Bears, Jaguars, Raiders, Saints and the New York Jets.

It wouldn't be a surprise if both Johnson and Glenn secure head coaching positions before the Cowboys get the chance to speak with them. The Lions have been the NFL's model franchise this season, so teams will want to join forces with those who have been responsible for Detroit's success.

The Lions will play the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round on Saturday. Johnson and Glenn will be trying to help lead Detroit to its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, and achieving that goal would further boost their chances of landing a top head coaching job this offseason.