Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was reportedly caught off guard when head coach Mike McCarthy abandoned contract talks, as Jones had predicted ongoing discussion. The Cowboys allowed McCarthy to coach the 2024 season on his final contract, instead of an extension.
After the season ended, negotiations began, and McCarthy decided to move on. Despite being surprised by the decision, Jones’ statement made the separation seem amicable, despite the disagreement between the two teams.
Jerry Jones turns to potential replacements, after Mike McCarthy’s departure
In the wake of Mike McCarthy’s departure, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is actively seeking a new head coach. Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a franchise legend who played 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the team, is among the top candidates.
Witten retired in 2017, worked briefly as a commentator, and returned to play with the Cowboys in 2019 before finishing his career with the Raiders. Additionally, Kellen Moore, the former Cowboys offensive coordinator now with the Philadelphia Eagles, is also being considered. Jones is reportedly exploring multiple coaching options.
On Tuesday, NFL Network reporter Jane Slater revealed that Jerry Jones was expecting to continue contract discussions with head coach Mike McCarthy when McCarthy unexpectedly walked away, surprising the Cowboys’ owner.
“It’s been my understanding that Jerry has talked to Jason in recent weeks and I do believe that he was part of a plan that Jerry initially had when he was going to bring back Mike McCarthy,” Slater said. “I think the plan there was to make him an heir apparent of sorts. Mike McCarthy sort of surprised him by deciding he wanted to end these conversations, pursue something else.”
Jones, despite being surprised by McCarthy’s decision, made a statement on McCarthy that appeared to suggest a friendly separation. “Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover,” Jones’ statement said.
He added, “Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.”
After leaving the Dallas Cowboys following a 7-10 season, former head coach Mike McCarthy is set to interview with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday. McCarthy, who posted a 49-35 record with the Cowboys and made three playoff appearances, is being considered by the Bears, who are in search of a new head coach.
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The Cowboys’ action to let McCarthy go signifies the commencement of considerable changes within the franchise. The team is now determined to find a new head coach to drive them to future triumphs.
