Mike McCarthy has consistently faced scrutiny during every offseason since he was hired as the Dallas Cowboys’ ninth head coach in 2020. As the NFL’s “Black Monday” approaches once again, McCarthy finds himself in a challenging position during his disappointing fifth season with the team. Despite early struggles, the Cowboys showed improvement in the latter part of the season, leading to some positive momentum for McCarthy. However, his contractual situation adds further complexity to the decision-making process for Dallas, as he is entering the final year of his current contract.
Owner Jerry Jones has publicly supported McCarthy throughout the season, indicating a preference for his continuity as the head coach. Nevertheless, speculation remains about McCarthy’s future, with reports suggesting he could be a sought-after coaching candidate if he becomes available in 2025. The Cowboys are reportedly exploring potential head coaching options as a precautionary measure in case McCarthy decides to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
McCarthy’s existing five-year contract with the Cowboys is set to expire shortly after the 2024 NFL season, giving the team a limited timeframe to negotiate a new deal. However, reports indicate that discussions about an extension have not yet commenced, raising questions about the potential length and terms of a new agreement. The Cowboys face a pivotal period as they navigate the decision of whether to extend McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas.
If an agreement cannot be reached immediately, it may enable the Super Bowl 45 champion to assess his value in the free market and possibly depart at his own discretion. This piece was first published in USA TODAY: Will the Cowboys dismiss Mike McCarthy? The contract’s influence on Dallas’ determination.
