A look back at the highs and lows of the Cowboys since their last Super Bowl win
Dallas: The Cowboys are gearing up for a fresh start after letting go of head coach Mike McCarthy last week. It’s a move Jerry Jones has made before, but he still hasn’t found a way back to the Super Bowl in almost 30 years. It’s wild to think about, especially since he’s had some pretty solid teams on paper.
Now, he’s watching former assistants Dan Quinn and Kellen Moore battle it out in the NFC title game. With the Commanders making it to the conference title game, the Cowboys now hold the record for the longest drought without an NFC title game appearance since 1995.
Brian Schottenheimer is currently the favorite to take over as head coach. As the search continues, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and check out some of the best and worst seasons the Cowboys have had since their last Super Bowl win.
Last time they won it all was in the 1995 season, finishing with a 12-4 record and taking home the championship against the Steelers. That was a golden era for the team, with legends like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin leading the charge. But since then? Crickets on the Super Bowl front.
Looking at the best seasons, 1996 was a solid year with a 10-6 record, making it to the playoffs again. They had a good run but got knocked out by the Panthers. Then in 2007, they had a fantastic 13-3 record, but again, they fell short in the playoffs against the Giants. It’s like they keep getting so close but can’t quite seal the deal.
Fast forward to 2016, and they had another great season with a 13-3 record, but Aaron Rodgers ended their playoff hopes. It’s frustrating to see them put in the work only to come up short when it matters most.
On the flip side, the worst seasons were pretty rough. From 2000 to 2002, they went 5-11 three years in a row. It was a tough time for fans, and they didn’t even sniff the playoffs. Then in 2015, they had a dismal 4-12 record, with injuries derailing their season early on.
Most recently, the 2024 season was a tough one, finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs. It was a disappointing year that led to McCarthy’s departure. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Cowboys fans, filled with highs and lows, and it’s hard not to wonder when they’ll finally get back to the top.
And let’s not forget the heartbreaking finishes. In 2006, they lost a wild-card game against the Seahawks in a gut-wrenching way. Tony Romo fumbled a snap on a game-winning field goal attempt, and it’s a moment that still stings for fans. Then in 2014, they had a great season but lost to the Packers in a controversial game that sparked debates about what a catch really is.
In 2021, they had a solid season but fell flat in the playoffs again. It’s like they keep getting these chances but can’t quite make it happen when it counts. Here’s hoping the next chapter brings some much-needed success for the Cowboys.