1996 Dallas Cowboys season

The 1996 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 37th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the third year under head coach Barry Switzer. Following their victory in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys endured a rough year failing to improve their 12–4 record from 1995 but still reached the playoffs with a 10–6 record. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games and before the playoffs was accused along with lineman Erik Williams of sexual assault. Controversy also took place when writer Skip Bayless published a scathing account of the Cowboys' 1995 season. Longtime trainer Mike Woicik also left the team after the season following a sideline dispute with coach Barry Switzer although Woicik returned in 2011. Additionally, late in the season; defensive tackle Leon Lett would be suspended for the last 3 games of the season and the first 13 of the following season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The Cowboys blew out the Vikings 40–15 in the Wild Card Round before being upset by the Panthers 26–17 in the Divisional Round. This shocking loss would kick off a long stretch of playoff futility for the Cowboys. The Cowboys failed to win another playoff game until 2009, and since their Super Bowl win the previous season, the Cowboys have never made it past the divisional round as of 2024.

This would be Troy Aikman’s final season with a playoff win.