Former Coach Mike McCarthy: 'If I Replaced Sam Williams, I’d Have Led Cowboys to More Wins'

May 19, 2025 – Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who led the team from 2020 to 2024, recently stirred controversy with a bold claim about the team’s defensive lineup. Reflecting on his tenure, McCarthy suggested that replacing defensive end Sam Williams could have been the key to unlocking greater success for the Cowboys, stating, “If I replaced Sam Williams, I’d have led Cowboys to more wins.” As Dallas transitions under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, McCarthy’s assertion has reignited discussions about Williams’ role and the Cowboys’ defensive strategy for the 2025 NFL season.

McCarthy’s Tenure and Departure

McCarthy coached the Cowboys to a 49-35 regular-season record and a 1-3 playoff record over five seasons, including three consecutive 12-win campaigns from 2021 to 2023 (ESPN). However, a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, marred by injuries to key players like Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, and Trevon Diggs, led to his departure (Yahoo Sports). Replaced by Schottenheimer, McCarthy has since taken a step back from coaching but remains vocal about his time in Dallas. His latest comment, made during an interview with The Athletic, reflects his belief that fine-tuning the defensive end position could have altered the team’s fortunes.

Williams, a 2022 second-round pick, was seen as a high-upside pass-rusher under McCarthy but struggled to secure a consistent role. McCarthy’s claim suggests that a different approach to the defensive lineup might have addressed the Cowboys’ defensive inconsistencies, which saw them allow 28 points per game in losses during 2024 (NFL.com).

Sam Williams’ Struggles

Selected 56th overall out of Ole Miss, Sam Williams showed flashes of potential in his first two seasons (2022-2023), recording 48 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a rotational player (SI.com). His elite speed made him a standout on special teams, where he famously blocked a punt for a safety against the Los Angeles Rams (Yardbarker). However, a serious injury in 2024 landed him on the Injured Reserve, limiting him to minimal snaps and halting his development (SI.com).

ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently projected Williams as a “major bust” for 2025, predicting he would “hardly see the field” due to a crowded defensive end group (SI.com). With stars like Micah Parsons (consistently delivering 12+ sacks per season), the re-signed Dante Fowler Jr. (10.5 sacks in 2024 with Washington), rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, and young talent Marshawn Kneeland, Williams faces stiff competition (Bleacher Report). McCarthy’s comment implies that he saw Williams as a mismatch for the team’s needs, particularly in a defense that required reliability over raw potential.

Why Replace Williams?

During McCarthy’s tenure, the Cowboys’ defense evolved into a top-10 unit, driven by Parsons and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who signed an $80 million extension (SI.com). However, the defensive end position was a revolving door after losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in 2024 (Yahoo Sports). Williams was expected to step up but failed to seize the opportunity, partly due to injury and partly due to inconsistent performance.

McCarthy’s hypothetical replacement of Williams likely stems from a desire for a more dependable pass-rusher to complement Parsons. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys relied heavily on Parsons’ versatility, but the lack of a consistent secondary pass-rush threat allowed opponents to double-team him (The Athletic). Replacing Williams with a proven veteran or a more polished rookie could have balanced the defensive front, potentially reducing the 28 points per game surrendered in 2024 losses (NFL.com).

Potential Replacements McCarthy Might Have Envisioned

While McCarthy didn’t name specific replacements, several players align with his defensive philosophy, which emphasized speed and disruption (ESPN). Had he remained coach, McCarthy might have targeted:

• Dante Fowler Jr.: Fowler, who returned to Dallas in 2025 after a stellar season with the Commanders, was a key part of McCarthy’s 2022-2023 defenses. His 10.5 sacks in 2024 highlight the production Williams failed to deliver (CBS Sports).

Trade Targets: McCarthy could have pursued a high-profile edge rusher like Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, who requested a trade in 2024 and has 14 sacks this season. Hendrickson’s $15 million cap hit would have been manageable with Dallas’ $38.5 million in 2025 cap space (Spotrac).

Draft Prospects: In the 2025 NFL Draft, McCarthy might have prioritized a pass-rusher over guard Tyler Booker, whom the Cowboys selected 12th overall. Prospects like James Pearce Jr. or Ashton Gillotte could have provided immediate impact (Sporting News).

Williams’ $2.3 million cap hit in 2025, the final year of his rookie deal, makes him an easy cut candidate, saving nearly the full amount if released (Over The Cap). McCarthy’s statement suggests he would have used this flexibility to address other needs, such as the secondary, where cornerbacks Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Shavon Revel Jr. are recovering from injuries (Bleacher Report).

The Cowboys Under Schottenheimer

Since McCarthy’s exit, Schottenheimer has taken an aggressive approach, highlighted by the trade for wide receiver George Pickens, bolstering an offense led by Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson (Yahoo Sports). Defensively, Schottenheimer and coordinator Matt Eberflus are building around Parsons, Fowler, and Ezeiruaku, with Williams relegated to a rotational role at best (SI.com). Schottenheimer’s staff appears to share McCarthy’s skepticism about Williams, as evidenced by their depth signings and Clay’s “bust” projection (SI.com).

McCarthy’s comment may also reflect frustration with the 2024 season, when injuries and a lack of depth derailed the Cowboys’ playoff hopes. His tenure saw three straight 12-win seasons but only one playoff victory, a point of criticism that likely fuels his belief that a tweak like replacing Williams could have tipped the scales (ESPN).

Fan and Analyst Reactions

McCarthy’s claim has sparked mixed reactions. On X, fans like @CowboysStats praised his candor, noting, “McCarthy’s right—Williams hasn’t stepped up when it mattered” (Post:3). Others, such as @NFLTalk, defended Williams, arguing his 8.5 sacks in limited snaps show untapped potential (Post:5). Analysts are split: The Athletic’s Jon Machota suggested McCarthy’s comment highlights the Cowboys’ need for a stronger pass-rush rotation, while Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox warned that cutting Williams prematurely could waste a high draft pick (The Athletic, Bleacher Report).

Looking Ahead

Mike McCarthy’s assertion that replacing Sam Williams would have led to more wins underscores the fine margins in the NFL, where one roster decision can shift a team’s trajectory. While his tenure in Dallas ended without a Super Bowl, his reflection sheds light on the challenges of managing a talented but injury-prone roster. For the 2025 Cowboys, Williams’ future remains uncertain as Schottenheimer prioritizes a deep defensive front and an explosive offense. If Williams can’t reclaim his early-career form in training camp, McCarthy’s hypothetical may become reality, with Dallas moving on to pursue a deeper playoff run.