The Dallas Cowboys went into the Wild Card Round with one nightmare scenario that would revamp the conversations surrounding Mike McCarthy’s job security.
The 48-32 outcome against the Green Bay Packers was the nightmare scenario that could make McCarthy’s head coaching era end sooner rather than later.
Jerry Jones on Mike McCarthy’s Job Security
After the game, Jerry Jones said the loss was one of the most surprising turnouts since he has been involved in sports, calling it painful and unexpected.
“This one’s burned into our soul out here tonight, and Green Bay got a great win,” Jones said.
As for McCarthy’s job security, the owner said he wouldn’t comment on any future decisions involving the coaches or players. But when asked when he and McCarthy would sit down and discuss the loss, he said he hadn’t thought about it.
He said his thoughts during the game had nothing to do with analyzing the game plan or execution, but he was laser-focused on getting to the next round.
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Although some teams have already started their process for finding head coaches and cycling through the big names available, Jones said that wasn’t an issue. But when asked if he felt pressure to act sooner rather than later on finding a new coach if needed, he said the only thing he felt was disappointment.
The owner kept mentioning how floored he was with the loss, saying he fully expected to be back at AT&T Stadium next week for the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Despite McCarthy taking the team to its third straight season with 12 wins, it wasn’t enough at the end.
Jones said his decisions are weighed out by multiple factors, including what was done during the season.
McCarthy and Dak Prescott’s Emotional Postgame
After the game, McCarthy made his postgame press conference brief and didn’t give much insight into his thoughts on his job possibly being on the line.
“I think the biggest thing is, you know, we’re disappointed. I got a whole team in the locker room that’s hurting. I haven’t thought past the outcome of this game,” McCarthy said.
But with McCarthy’s job on the line, Dak Prescott will feel the direct impact of that decision if it’s made.
Prescott has praised McCarthy plenty throughout the season, specifically for his play calling.
After the loss, the quarterback got noticeably emotional when asked about McCarthy’s job security.
“He’s been amazing. I don’t know how they can be, but I understand the business. In that case, it should be about me as well,” Prescott said. “I’ve had the season that I’ve had because of him. This team has had the success that they’ve had because of him.”
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Although Prescott wasn’t willing to let McCarthy take the fall alone for the loss, it might not be enough to secure the head coach a job in Dallas next year.
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