The Dallas Cowboys have announced they will part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, as confirmed on Monday. This decision comes as McCarthy’s five-year contract, which he signed before the 2020 season, is set to expire.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a statement regarding the decision, indicating that he and McCarthy conducted an in-depth review of the season, discussing the team’s future direction. “It became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction,” Jones stated, expressing gratitude towards McCarthy and his family for their contributions to the community.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, McCarthy achieved a record of 49 wins and 35 losses, boasting a .583 winning percentage—marking him as the fourth-best coach in franchise history. The team recorded three consecutive 12-5 seasons from 2021 to 2023, but McCarthy faced difficulties in the playoffs, securing just one victory out of four attempts.
This past season, the Cowboys ended with a disappointing 7-10 record, partly due to the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury during a crucial game against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite a rocky start at 3-5, the team managed to end the season 4-5 without Prescott.
The Cowboys will now begin the search for their new head coach, a position that will be only the third since 2011, following Jason Garrett’s lengthy tenure prior to McCarthy. McCarthy, who previously led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl win and holds a career record of 174-112-2, is anticipated to be a target for other teams, including the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints as they look to fill their coaching vacancies.
In summary, while the Cowboys are shaking things up in their coaching staff, this transition could open new doors for both McCarthy and the franchise. The team’s next steps will be crucial as they look to enhance their competitive edge in future seasons.