The Dallas Cowboys will have a new head coach next season.
After four seasons running the show, Mike McCarthy's expiring contract has not been renewed 2025. The Cowboys and McCarthy didn't sign a new deal, with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reporting Monday that the length of contract extension could not be agreed upon.
The Cowboys officially confirmed the news in a statement Monday afternoon.
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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.
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner
"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done," Cowboys owner Jerry 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."
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints could have interest in McCarthy as they continue searching for new head coaches. The Cowboys denied the Bears' request to interview McCarthy last week when he was still in his exclusive negotiating window with Dallas, but Chicago won't have to make a request to interview him now.
NFL
McCarthy went 6-10 in 2020 before going 12-5 in each of the next three seasons before the team regressed to 7-10 in 2024.
While his 49-35 record would typically ensure a contract extension, McCarthy's postseason blunders could be a reason that owner Jerry Jones is looking elsewhere.
The Cowboys lost their first playoff game in January 2022 after Dak Prescott's infamous scramble as time expired before he could spike the ball. A year later, it was another loss to the San Francisco 49ers where a confusing formation on the final play sealed the deal. Last season, the Green Bay Packers went into AT&T Stadium and demolished McCarthy's squad -- jumping out to a 27-0 lead in the first half en route to a 48-32 win.
Since 2003, the Cowboys have been one of the more stable organizations when it comes to head coaches. They have had just four coaches during that span, with all sticking around for more than three seasons.
With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons still under contract and the prestige of the Cowboys always looming, the open job figures to be appealing to many of the top candidates. There are now six job openings (including Dallas), with only the New England Patriots making a hire so far (Mike Vrabel).