Anyone else tired of the Mike McCarthy saga yet? It’s hard not to be. Every NFL team with a head coach opening has moved on to the interview process. Some favorites have already emerged for certain jobs, but the Dallas Cowboys can’t be bothered to make a decision.
It seems, though, that the Cowboys and McCarthy are working to find a middle ground on a new contract. Jerry Jones denied the Bears’ request to interview McCarthy, which seemed to hint the team wants him back.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler followed up on Thursday, saying that Jones and McCarthy spent “significant time” over the last 48 hours discussing the latter’s future and are hopeful something can be worked out.
Our guess is Dallas won’t announce anything until the two sides negotiate a contract. If they can’t, McCarthy won’t have a shortage of opportunities. In addition to Chicago, Fowler understands another NFC team could go after McCarthy.
Saints emerge as a threat to steal Mike McCarthy from the Cowboys
The New Orleans Saints have only requested seven interviews: current interim head coach Darren Rizzi, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Bills OC Joe Brady, ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Giants OC Mike Kafka.
Fowler understands that list will grow and McCarthy could be next in line for an interview, if the Cowboys oblige.
“This is a coveted job among people I’ve spoken to recently,” Fowler writes (subscription required). “I’ve heard that Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy could have some interest, so it wouldn’t shock if the Saints try to talk to him should he be free to do so (McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys expires Tuesday). Glenn still seems like the favorite, but he could have options. Glenn and Brady both have New Orleans connectivity as former Saints staffers.”
Fowler makes an important note about McCarthy’s contract. If the Cowboys and McCarthy don’t agree to a deal by Jan. 14, the 61-year-old will be free to speak with any team and accept another job at any time. He won’t need permission from Dallas.
McCarthy served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator for five seasons in the early 2000s. It’s easy to understand why McCarthy could have interest, but this is arguably the worst job available.
The Saints are projected to be $56 million over the cap in 2025 and they don’t have much wiggle room in terms of cutting players to save money.
Even if New Orleans uses the post-June 1 loophole, the savings would be minimal in most cases and paired with a significant dead cap charge to boot. Quarterback Derek Carr, who has a $51.458 million cap hit, has already come out and said he won’t take a pay cut.
While the NFC South is among the worst divisions in football, the Saints might need two years to climb out of the cap graveyard they dug for themselves. Does that really sound enticing if you’re McCarthy?
Then again, maybe McCarthy wants to go somewhere he’s wanted and work with a front office that isn’t afraid to spend money. The Saints certainly check both of those boxes.
