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Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones announced Monday that Mike McCarthy will not return as the team’s head coach in 2025.
McCarthy’s contract expired last Wednesday, and although the Cowboys held an exclusive negotiating window until Tuesday at midnight, both parties agreed to part ways before reaching that stage.
“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,” Jones said in a statement. “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.”
The Cowboys will now begin the search for their next head coach, marking the ninth hire under Jones’ ownership since 1989.
McCarthy’s Next Steps
McCarthy, who led the Cowboys for five seasons, is expected to interview with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints for their head-coaching vacancies, according to a report from ESPN. Last week, the Cowboys denied the Bears’ official request to interview McCarthy.
During his tenure, McCarthy compiled a 49-35 record but struggled in the postseason, winning only one playoff game. His time in Dallas was marked by heartbreaking playoff exits, including a wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers in 2023 and a home loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021.
A Disappointing 2024 Season
The Cowboys finished the 2024 season with a 7-10 record, their worst since McCarthy took over in 2020. The team endured significant injuries to key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), right guard Zack Martin (ankle), and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), all of whom ended the season on injured reserve.
After starting the season 3-2, the Cowboys suffered five straight losses and finished 2-7 at home, including a six-game streak where they trailed by at least 20 points—an NFL first.
Despite a late-season surge led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes ended in Week 16.
Falling Short of Expectations
McCarthy was hired in 2020 to replace Jason Garrett with the goal of bringing postseason success to Dallas. While he became the first Cowboys coach since Jimmy Johnson to lead the team to three straight playoff appearances (2021-2023), McCarthy fell short of delivering the Super Bowl success fans and ownership expected.
The most devastating loss came in the 2023 playoffs when the Packers jumped to a 27-0 lead, ultimately defeating the Cowboys 48-32 in the wild-card round.
Challenges in 2024
The Cowboys faced a tough offseason in 2024, losing key contributors like left tackle Tyron Smith, running back Tony Pollard, and defensive end Dorance Armstrong in free agency. While they reunited with Ezekiel Elliott, the move didn’t yield the desired results, though Rico Dowdle managed to rush for over 1,000 yards.
Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million extension hours before the season opener, and Lamb inked a four-year, $136 million deal to become the league’s second-highest-paid wide receiver. However, injuries to defensive stars like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and DaRon Bland further derailed the season.
The Cowboys’ offense, which led the league in points per game in 2023 under McCarthy as the playcaller, fell to 20th in 2024. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 27.5 points per game, ranking 31st in the NFL.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
As Jones searches for his next head coach, he faces critical decisions. Will he opt for an experienced NFL veteran, a rising college coach, or a promising coordinator to lead the team?
Jones, who turned 82 in October, remains committed to ending the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought, which dates back to 1995. With all options on the table, Dallas fans eagerly await the next chapter in their team’s journey.
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This report used information from ESPN.
