After a period of reported disagreements concerning his contract, Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys have decided to end their partnership. This news has sparked speculation about McCarthy's future, with some suggesting a potential move to the Chicago Bears.
Multiple sources confirm that McCarthy's tenure as head coach in Dallas has concluded. The decision, characterized as mutual, was announced in a statement from Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, obtained by ESPN.
Jones expressed gratitude for McCarthy's contributions, acknowledging the "unique and challenging times" during his leadership. He also clarified that the decision was reached before formal contract negotiations began, indicating a shared understanding that a change was necessary.
Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant reacted swiftly to the news, expressing approval on X (formerly Twitter). He later voiced concerns about the Cowboys potentially drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, suggesting McCarthy wouldn't be the right coach for him. This follows a season where Dallas's rushing game struggled, and the team opted not to pursue running back Derrick Henry, who subsequently thrived with the Baltimore Ravens.
McCarthy's contract concluded after a 7-10 season, a stark contrast to the 12-5 records achieved in the preceding three years. Despite the consistent regular season success, the Cowboys haven't advanced beyond the divisional round of the NFC playoffs since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995. Next season marks the 30th anniversary of that championship, adding pressure to the search for a new head coach.
Before joining the Cowboys after a year away from coaching, McCarthy spent 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, compiling a 125-77-2 record. His tenure there included a Super Bowl victory, ironically at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home venue.
