It was finally reported on Friday that the Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy have mutual interest in moving forward together. It had been trending in that direction after Jerry Jones denied the Chicago Bears request to interview McCarthy for their head coach vacancy.
Additionally, the New York Jets may have revealed Jones’ hand when they decided not to interview McCarthy. The Jets’ plan to interview some 20 candidates. That they bypassed a proven commodity like McCarthy suggested they knew he isn’t going anywhere.
Jones and McCarthy have reportedly opened contract talks to keep him in Dallas. It is ridiculous that talks have only just started given the season ended almost a week ago. The front office had months to make a decision on McCarthy. By dragging it out they are allowing for maximum media exposure because any publicity is good publicity in Jones’ eye.
It seems, though, that McCarthy is tired of being strung along. In a follow-up report, NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero reiterated the urgency for McCarthy to sign a contract.
Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy makes bold power move on Jerry Jones
McCarthy’s contract is set to expire on Jan. 14. If he doesn’t sign a new deal by then, he would be allowed to take another job without the Cowboys’ permission.
The kicker is that all of McCarthy’s assistants – namely Mike Zimmer, Al Harris and John “Bones” Fassel – are all on expiring contracts. They are also free to pursue other opportunities once the exclusive negotiating window closes.
Pelissero’s report is an obvious (and wise) power play by McCarthy. He is making it known he wants a resolution soon. It is already difficult enough to negotiate with the Joneses. Not only does McCarthy have to clear that hurdle by Tuesday, but he will need time to assemble his staff.
R.J. Ochoa of Blogging The Boys reminded Cowboys fans that Pelissero is the reporter who had the exclusive one-on-one interview with McCarthy five years ago when McCarthy announced his return to coaching.
There is clearly a semblance of trust between McCarthy and Pelissero. Negotiating through the media is a common practice amongst coaches, players and agents.
It is admittedly bold to do with Jerry Jones, but the 82-year-old owner has strung McCarthy along for several days in the name of chasing attention while he draws up a likely short-term extension. The arrogance displayed by Jones this week despite it being painfully obvious he wants to keep McCarthy is impressive even for his standards.
It is only right that McCarthy turned up the pressure. He already had leverage on his side even though Jones thinks he’s the one wielding all the power.
