Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may have subtly hinted at an upcoming coaching change as head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract nears expiration at the end of the season. Amid a lackluster 2024 season, fans are becoming increasingly vocal about their desire for a fresh start at the coaching position. McCarthy’s time with the Cowboys includes three impressive 12-win seasons, yet the team’s repeated inability to achieve playoff success has left his future with the organization in doubt. Despite the growing criticism, Jones has refrained from outright faulting McCarthy and instead spoke favorably about the coach in recent interviews. Praising McCarthy’s work ethic, deep understanding of the game, and his bond with the players, Jones remarked, “I know how hard he works,” while noting that McCarthy has “a lot of fire in his belly.” He went on to suggest that challenging times often reveal a coach’s true value, leaving room for McCarthy to prove himself.
However, fans have been quick to pick up on similarities in Jones’ recent language to the way he spoke about former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett before parting ways with him. Back then, Jones complimented Garrett as “one of the smartest coaches and one of the hardest-working coaches,” only to relieve him of his duties a short time later. This pattern has led many to speculate that McCarthy could be facing a similar exit.
The outlook for McCarthy is further complicated by the Cowboys’ current record of 3-5, a situation that could deteriorate even more as starting quarterback Dak Prescott remains sidelined due to injury. With the team struggling, McCarthy has become an easy target for blame when assessing the Cowboys’ lack of progress. Though McCarthy’s overall record of 45-30 is commendable, his repeated struggles to advance in the playoffs only add to the mounting pressure for Jones to consider a new direction for the team.
As the season progresses, many Cowboys fans are now almost certain that McCarthy will be shown the door once his contract ends. It’s widely believed that Jones is simply waiting out McCarthy’s current contract and will look to bring in fresh leadership after the season wraps up. With the team faltering and McCarthy’s future appearing increasingly tenuous, the conversation around his job security shows no signs of slowing down.
