While many NFL analysts and fans may have already mentally closed the door on Mike McCarthy’s future with the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones isn’t doing the same.
The Cowboys, who are 4-7 this season, have been riddled by injuries and are currently without starting quarterback Dak Prescott. But a five-game losing streak and 0-5 mark at home has cast a cloud of frustration around the franchise this season.
McCarthy, who led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons, deserves praise for his regular-season success. But the Cowboys’ postseason results are what stand out most.
Over the three years, the Cowboys have won just one playoff game while losing in the Wild Card round in the two other seasons. But even factoring in the team’s lack of postseason success and its 4-7 record this year, Jones didn’t close the door on McCarthy receiving a contract extension after the year.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
During Jones’s recent segment on 105.3 The Fan, he stated that it’s “not crazy at all” to envision McCarthy receiving a new deal to remain with the Cowboys.
“I don’t think that’s crazy at all, that’s not crazy,” Jones said. “Listen Mike McCarthy is an outstanding coach. I was watching the game last night and [Troy] Aikman was talking about it and he’s reiterated that several times perfectly — this is a Super Bowl-winning coach.”
“Mike McCarthy has been there, done that, he’s got great ideas. Bottom line is, no place in my body language or anything else have you seen indications about what we’re going to be doing relative to this staff at the end of this year.”
While Jones’s comments come one day after the Cowboys’ biggest win of the 2024 season, a road victory over the Washington Commanders, it’s still noteworthy to hear from the owner.
McCarthy and the Cowboys were double-digit underdogs against the Commanders, who were 7-4 entering Sunday’s matchup. Thanks to a chaotic finish featuring a KaVontae Turpin 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, an 86-yard touchdown from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin to answer and a missed extra point, the Cowboys pulled out the 34-26 victory.
Sunday’s victory didn’t save McCarthy’s job. However, if he can lead the shorthanded Cowboys at least out of the bottom of the NFL standings, it’ll be interesting to see how Jones approaches the decision this offseason.
