The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a turbulent season, still in contention for a playoff spot despite a series of challenges, including the loss of star quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury.

Prescott recently voiced strong support for head coach Mike McCarthy, advocating for his retention as the team’s leader.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed Prescott’s comments during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan. While Jones had previously criticized McCarthy earlier this season for struggling play-calling, his tone shifted slightly as he acknowledged Prescott’s influence.

“Dak has a vested interest in the team. He’s a critical part of our success as we go forward. His thoughts and ideas about how to be better are very important,” Jones said.

There is no doubt that historically, Jones has had “big ears” when it comes to take advice on such matters. From Troy Aikman (and Michael Irvin) to Tony Romo (and Jason Witten) to now Dak, the Cowboys often “takes the temperature of the locker room.”

At the same time, two NFL sources with knowledge of the overall plan here suggest to CowboysCountry.com that while Jones appreciates Dak’s support of McCarthy, that was already a known quantity and therefore will not greatly change the path here.

In other words, Jerry already know how Dak feels. But that didn’t change the Cowboys’ decision to react to the playoff loss to Green Bay by leaving the coach dangling contractually.

Further, a source tells us that Dallas’ two-game win straight – enjoyable as its been for all here inside The Star – also is unlikely to alter the course of the franchise when it comes to McCarthy and his coaching staff.

“I think Jerry already has his mind made up, one way or the other,” the source said.

Jones also acknowledged the limitations of Prescott’s role while sidelined.

Prescott’s endorsement – and Jerry’s own positive takes – come as McCarthy’s future hangs in the balance. The 5-7 Cowboys have shown flashes of potential, but their inconsistent performance this season raises questions … and that Packers playoff game continues to haunt all involved.

McCarthy has compiled a 47-32 record as head coach of the Cowboys since taking over in 2020. Excluding former head coach Jason Garrett, McCarthy stands as the longest-tenured and most successful coach for Dallas since the 1990s. The team has posted three consecutive 12-5 seasons under his leadership. However, the lack of impactful moves during this past offseason has posed significant challenges for McCarthy and the team’s performance – and are part of Jones’ blueprint as the “Blow It Up” plan toward a 2025 remodel continues to be an open secret.

As Dallas enters the season’s critical final stretch, is there anything McCarthy can do to alter his fate? It’s all ultimately supposed to be about wins and losses. But pointing toward 2025, the Joneses – barring a miracle stretch run – might already be set on a plan.