The intrigue surrounding Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy received some clarity on Monday. McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys expired last week but the team had until Tuesday midnight to give him a new contract.
However, they have confirmed that both parties are going in different directions.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Releases Statement To Confirm Mike McCarthy’s Exit As Head Coach
The move was a surprise to many, given that despite intense criticism of McCarthy, owner Jerry Jones has always spoken highly of him during the regular season. Nonetheless, with so many candidates available in the coaching pool, Jones decided it’s best to go with a different coach.
On Monday, Jones released a statement, announcing McCarthy’s exit from the head coach role.
“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done,” Jones said. “That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike’s qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being.
“I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.
“Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover.
“Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.”
Jones also suggested that the team will now begin its search for a new head coach.
“We will commence a search process immediately to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys,” Jones added.
Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy mutually agree to part ways. pic.twitter.com/5Qfvq8BbsX
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2025
Mike McCarthy’s Time With Cowboys: Regular Season High Met With Postseason Struggles
McCarthy joined the Cowboys in 2020 after the team parted ways with Jason Garrett. After hiring a Super Bowl-winning coach, expectations were high for a storied franchise looking to return to its former glory. Five seasons later, McCarthy’s time with the Cowboys has been a roller coaster of promising highs and disappointing lows.
McCarthy’s debut season with Dallas was anything but smooth. The Cowboys finished the 2020 campaign with a 6-10 record, placing third in the NFC East.
In 2021, McCarthy’s Cowboys showed significant improvement, finishing with a 12-5 record and securing first place in the NFC East. However, the postseason once again proved to be a stumbling block. The Cowboys were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card round.
The 2022 season saw Dallas replicate its regular-season success, finishing with another 12-5 record. McCarthy finally achieved his first playoff victory with the Cowboys, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wild Card Weekend. Their postseason run ended in the Divisional Round with another loss to the 49ers.
Dallas entered the 2023 season with hopes of building on their recent playoff success. Once again, McCarthy guided the team to a 12-5 record and a division title. Yet, postseason disappointment continued to haunt the Cowboys. This time, they were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy’s former team.
McCarthy’s Cowboys finished the 2024 season 7-10, with injuries and inconsistent play plaguing the roster. Dallas failed to make the playoffs for the first time since McCarthy’s inaugural season.