After some twists and turns, Dallas Cowboys’ search for head coach could be nearing an end

The search for the next head coach of the Cowboys continues, with indications internally that the process could wrap up Friday.

Working under that projected timeline, let’s address some of the more interesting twists and turns of what’s taken place.

Pete Carroll in the mix

Pete Carroll’s name surfaced Thursday. The information is relevant, but impossible to put into context without knowing more specifics.

Who initiated the call? If it was Jerry Jones, it could have been to feel out any interest Carroll may have in becoming the next head coach and/or to inquire about Brian Schottenheimer, who was Carroll’s offensive coordinator in Seattle.

If Carroll initiated the call, it could have been to express interest in the job, support Schottenheimer or spur Las Vegas, where he interviewed earlier, into action.

Jones and Carroll have spoken, two people with knowledge of the search confirmed to The Dallas Morning News. It was described as an informal call and no interview has been scheduled.

Shortly after it became clear the two men talked — no one has reported when the call took place, another key factor— a report surfaced that Carroll is the strongest candidate for the head coaching job with the Raiders.

Related:Jerry Jones has talked with Pete Carroll about Cowboys’ head coach opening

Still no official interview for Deion Sanders

The candidacy of Deion Sanders hasn’t received much public conversation of late because he hasn’t been brought in for a formal interview.

Know this: Sanders won’t undergo a formal interview for this or any other job unless he already knows the position is his. Why would he undercut his authority and leverage at Colorado by interviewing for a job he might not get? It doesn’t make sense.

One of the first — if not the first — call Jones made once he and Mike McCarthy parted ways was to Sanders. The Hall of Fame cornerback has been consistent in saying he’s not looking to jump to the NFL.

If Jones does change his mind, it won’t require a formal interview.

Related:In what could be Jerry Jones’ last coaching hire, will owner make biggest splash possible?

Where’s Jason Witten in all this?

It’s unrealistic to think Jones hasn’t spoken to Jason Witten, whom he holds in high regard and believes will be an outstanding head coach in the NFL one day, during this process.

That doesn’t mean Witten will be the team’s next head coach. But it does mean there have been discussions about how he could fit into some potential staff structures, two people with knowledge of the discussions said.

Witten was fond of saying during his playing career that “the secret is in the dirt.” He would take the same approach to climbing the NFL coaching ladder, meaning he would likely start as a position coach, put in the work, earn respect in the building for his new position and go from there.

End in sight?

The bottom line: four candidates — Schottenheimer, Kellen Moore, Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier — have conducted formal interviews. No more. Schottenheimer is the only candidate to interview over two days.

And unless this process takes another unexpected turn or two, indications are it’s near an end.

Catch David Moore and co-host Robert Wilonsky on Intentional Grounding on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) every Wednesday night at 7 o’clock through the Super Bowl.

Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN

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