What and when was the Dallas Cowboys' worst season in history?

The fact that “it could be worse” doesn‘t really make you feel better, does it? But for the Dallas Cowboys, it‘s true. At 3-6, they‘re having a terrible season. And with Dak Prescott out for the rest of the season, their endless list of problems, and an upcoming schedule that isn‘t getting any easier, they’re looking at finishing with their worst record since 2015, when they went 4-12. They currently have just a 3% chance at making the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys' worst season ever

1960: The inaugural and worst (0-11-0)

Even if the Cowboys lose out the rest of the season though, it still wouldn’t be their worst ever. That title belongs to their inaugural season, which is excusable. In 1960, the Cowboys failed to win a single game, ending with an 0-11-1 record under head coach Tom Landry.

It took them a bit to find their stride, winning four or five games here and there, but finishing with losing seasons for their first six. By 1966, they’d hit the stride and by 1970, they made it to their first Super Bowl. By 1971, they won their first Super Bowl.

1988: The worst since the first (3-13)

In Landry‘s last season with the team, which also happened to be H. R. “Bum” Bright’s last season as owner as well, the Cowboys had their worst season since their debut. They finished the 1988 season with a 3-13 record.

1989: Jerry’s rough start (1-15)

The next year, 1989, Jerry Jones took over as owner of the Cowboys, fired Landry, and put Jimmy Johnson in charge as coach. That first season did not go well, replacing the last one as the worst since 1960, finishing with just one win for a 1-15 record. After that, the triplets took off, the 90s dynasty happened and they won three Super Bowls, and then...it was all downhill from there.

2015: Injuries plague Cowboys (4-12)

It wasn‘t a direct downhill. It was more like up and down. But never as far up as the ’90s. But in 2015, the Cowboys finished the season at 4-12, their worst record in 26 years, under head coach Jason Garrett. The starting quarterback at the time, Tony Romo, played just four games that season before breaking his clavicle and missing the rest. His star wide receiver Dez Bryant was injured after the first game of the season with a broken foot. They finished last place in the NFC East.

2024 so far...

While 2024 won‘t be their worst season (that‘ll be a tough one to accomplish), it is likely to be up there on the list. Hopefully they won‘t lose the rest of the games this season, but if they do, they’d end with a 3-14 record, which would be their third worst in franchise history and second-worst in the Jerry Jones era.