Following months of intense speculation, it has been confirmed that Mike McCarthy will not be returning to lead the Dallas Cowboys. As McCarthy’s contract neared its expiration on Tuesday, sources familiar with the situation revealed to USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell that both the coach and the team have decided to part ways rather than engage in negotiations for a contract extension. The sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, as neither party had officially disclosed the decision, indicated that the transition is now in progress. Initial news of McCarthy’s impending departure was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
With his departure from the Cowboys, McCarthy is now free to explore opportunities with other football teams, following the Cowboys’ denial of the Chicago Bears’ request last week to interview him regarding a coaching vacancy. McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys spanned five seasons, during which he achieved a record of 49-35 and secured three postseason appearances, culminating in a 7-10 record in his final year at the helm.
Despite ongoing speculation suggesting McCarthy might entertain coaching opportunities elsewhere due to his expiring contract, the coach expressed his desire to continue with the Dallas organization following the team’s defeat in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. McCarthy stated, “Absolutely. I have a lot invested here, and the Cowboys have a lot invested in me. And then there’s a personal side to all these decisions. They all point the right direction. I think anytime you invest your time, energy, your belief, the connection you have, the relationships that are in place here, the understanding of what the organization can do and is willing to do. Those are all positive attributes that you take into account.”
McCarthy’s position had been under scrutiny for nearly a year, as Cowboys owner Jerry Jones opted to retain the coach for the final season of his contract despite a significant wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers in January of the previous year. However, Jones refrained from offering McCarthy an extension, instead declaring that the franchise would be fully committed to the 2024 season after three consecutive 12-win seasons failed to culminate in an NFC championship game appearance.
The Cowboys faced early setbacks in the season, marked by a series of losses at their home stadium, AT&T Stadium, following a prior 16-game winning streak. The team notably suffered a 47-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 6, representing the largest point differential in a home game during Jones’ tenure as owner. Injuries further compounded the team’s challenges, with key players like linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs sidelined for significant portions of the season. The loss of starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury in November exacerbated the team’s struggles, leading many to anticipate a prolonged downturn that dropped the Cowboys to a 3-7 record.
Despite these obstacles, the Cowboys managed to rally, securing victories in four of their subsequent five games.
