DALLAS — Mike McCarthy is not expected to return as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, WFAA has confirmed Monday.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter first reported that McCarthy and the Cowboys “engaged in no discussions about a new deal” and that McCarthy is now expected to be a candidate for the open coaching positions in New Orleans and Chicago.
WFAA is working to confirm Schefter’s report.
Mike McCarthy is not expected to return to Dallas and is now set to become a free agent, per source. The two sides engaged in no discussions about a new deal, and McCarthy is expected to be a candidate in Chicago and New Orleans. https://t.co/8YpUIXqdtw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2025
Last week, it was reported that the Cowboys denied Chicago’s request to interview McCarthy, who remains under contract with the Cowboys until Jan. 14.
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With McCarthy out in Dallas, it marks the official end of his five-year run coaching the team. McCarthy compiled three straight 12-win seasons from 2021-2023, but the injury-riddled Cowboys struggled to a 7-10 record in 2024, and McCarthy couldn’t get the franchise to an NFC Championship Game, a drought that has lasted nearly 30 years.
Now, Dallas is actively searching for a coach, according to owner Jerry Jones.
Jerry Jones’ full statement on McCarthy:
“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. 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.
We will commence a search process immediately to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
It’s not clear which direction Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones will take in Dallas’ search for a new coach. There have been no reports linking the Cowboys to any of the top coaching candidates this cycle.
Dallas would face plenty of competition on the job market. Five teams currently have openings: the Chicago Bears, the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders.
The New England Patriots also had a coach opening, but this weekend, they hired former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who was among the betting favorites, to become the next Cowboys coach. It’s not clear if the Cowboys had considered Vrabel, who last coached for the Titans in 2023.