FRISCO, Texas — Mike McCarthy held the Dallas Cowboys‘ annual end-of-season media press conference on Thursday.
After days of speculation about McCarthy’s job security, it was announced that the head coach would remain with the team for the 2024 season.
What were some of McCarthy’s most significant points and takeaways from the 30-minute-long press conference?
Mike McCarthy’s Conversation With Jerry Jones
On Wednesday, Jerry Jones sent a statement that read, “I believe this team is very close and capable of achieving our ultimate goals, and the best step forward for us will be with Mike McCarthy as our head coach.”
The statement from Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones following the decision to keep Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys head coach in 2024: pic.twitter.com/Edc2aI6Wou
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) January 18, 2024
McCarthy was asked about his meeting with Jones and said it was a nearly three-hour conversation following the players’ exit interviews.
They talked about the disappointment of how the team’s season ended on Sunday’s Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers.
McCarthy said the meeting eventually was with him and Jones 1-on-1, which he says is always helpful.
“He asks all the hard and direct questions, which I love and appreciate because you get in-depth. You get in the conversations that go in different directions, but there’s always so much that comes out of it,” said McCarthy.
He said he was in the moment leading up to the conversation and didn’t worry about anything other than his family, saying he is confident in himself as a man and a coach.
McCarthy Held Exit Interviews With Players This Week
The head coach said Monday and Tuesday were the days for players to conduct their exit interviews.
Monday was dedicated to the veterans, typically more in-depth conversations with “brutal honesty.”
MORE: What Are the Areas of Improvement for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024?
The days following are for middle-year, rookie players, and pending free agents.
He said the exit interviews blew him away because of the strength the players showed with their emotions and ability to have honest conversations.
McCarthy’s Belief in Dak Prescott
McCarthy said his exit interview with Dak Prescott was a continuation of conversations since they spent so much time together and talked a lot during the season.
“I have unbelievable belief in Dak,” said McCarthy. “I think he clearly has another step. I think this offense has suited him well.”
He and Prescott both see the growth opportunities that are present going forward.
Overall, the head coach was firm in stating he feels that Prescott is part of the solution in Dallas moving forward.
Part of that goes into play since they have a year under their belt of working together as the quarterback and play-caller.
Prescott will be heading into his ninth season, and a contract extension lingers as his current deal takes a massive hit to the team’s cap space.
Inevitable Changes Ahead
The coaches also did their end-of-season evaluations, which McCarthy received on Wednesday night, and those conversations will continue.
McCarthy acknowledged this being the time of the year when other opportunities could come up for coaches on his staff.
When asked about Dan Quinn, he said the defensive coordinator is a “highly valued” member of their coaching staff, and they will do things daily with his situation.
Not only is change a possibility for the coaching staff, but it is also inevitable for player personnel.
He discussed how around 25% of the roster will change this offseason since that’s the typical amount a team can’t retain with free agency.
“That’s part of the disappointment. I thought we had an unbelievable team. I love the way these guys work, their connection and belief in one another. They’re very coachable. You kick them in the a–, they responded. They love one another, and I think that’s important,” said McCarthy.
Why Should Fans Buy Into Another Year of the McCarthy Era?
Jones’ decision to keep McCarthy around on the fifth and final year of his contract without an extension was not popular among the fanbase.
When asked why fans should buy into him as the head coach, his response was firm: “I came here to win a championship. I didn’t come here to get another contract or anything other than that. I came to Dallas to win a championship. That’s why I’m standing here and buy into us.”
MORE: Cowboys Sign 3 Players to Reserve/Futures Deals
Because of his history of winning in the season but still being unable to make a deep playoff run, McCarthy was questioned on how that would change going forward.
The team has not been able to get past the threshold of the Divisional Round in the playoffs for nearly 30 years. McCarthy said he feels no responsibility for what hadn’t happened before his coaching tenure started in Dallas.
“We’re responsible for what’s going on in our program. I know it’s disappointing to the fans. But we are in a position to learn and grow from this and build off it,” said McCarthy.
McCarthy said right now, it’s looking at the chances, adjusting to them, and continuing to emphasize the things that worked well for the team this season to build off them.
He addressed the fanbase directly, saying, “We have established a championship program; it’s just not the world championship yet. We know how to win. We know how to train to win. We have the right people … I know how to win, and we will get over that threshold.”
Want to predict the results of the 2023 NFL postseason with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? How about looking into in-depth breakdowns of team depth charts or the NFL playoff schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with all that and more!