FRISCO, TEXAS — After a disappointing 7-10 season, questions loom large over the future of Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy. With his contract set to expire, the decision on whether to bring McCarthy back for another season is one of the most pivotal the organization faces this offseason.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys made headlines by reportedly denying the Chicago Bears an opportunity to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coaching position. The move signals that Dallas may not be ready to part ways with McCarthy despite a subpar 2024 campaign. However, the Cowboys’ actions have left fans and analysts alike speculating about what the future holds for the veteran coach.
McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys has been a rollercoaster. Since taking over in 2020, his teams have had flashes of brilliance but have consistently fallen short of expectations, particularly in the playoffs. While McCarthy boasts a Super Bowl victory from his time with the Green Bay Packers, that success has felt increasingly distant during his tenure in Dallas.
The Cowboys’ 2024 season was marked by inconsistency and frustration. the team struggled to find rhythm, particularly in close games. Quarterback Dak Prescott was injured in week 8 in the Falcons game, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging season. A 7-10 finish not only kept them out of the playoffs but also raised questions about McCarthy’s ability to maximize the talent on the roster.
Yet, the decision to block the Bears from interviewing McCarthy hints that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may still believe in McCarthy’s vision. Jones has long been known for his loyalty to coaches he deems capable of delivering a championship, and it’s possible he views the 2024 season as an aberration rather than a trend.
If McCarthy is retained, the 2025 season will undoubtedly be a make-or-break year for him. The Cowboys’ fanbase, known for its high expectations, is growing impatient for a return to postseason glory. Another disappointing season could leave Jones with no choice but to move on.
Alternatively, if Jones decides to part ways with McCarthy, the Cowboys will enter a highly competitive market for head coaches. The team’s talented roster, which includes cornerstone pieces like Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, would make the job one of the most coveted in the NFL.
For now, the Cowboys’ decision to deny the Bears’ request suggests that McCarthy’s fate is still being weighed carefully. Whether that signals confidence in his leadership or simply a desire to maintain control over their head coaching search remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the 2025 offseason will be critical for the Cowboys’ pursuit of their long-elusive sixth Super Bowl title.
