Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones possibly dropped a clue about head coach Mike McCarthy’s future.
After a 3-7 start, the Cowboys have won four of their last five games. During a Tuesday interview with KRLD-FM in Dallas, Jones credited McCarthy for the team’s improvement.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of the way the coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, the way that the leadership on this team, and really proud of these young players,” Jones said (h/t The Athletic’s Jon Machota). “They just are growing mentally and physically by leaps and bounds, makes me think we’ve got an outstanding future ahead of us.”
Jones complimenting McCarthy — who is in the last year of his contract — could signal he’s considering re-signing the HC.
On Monday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini noted McCarthy’s stock is trending up after the Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 in Week 16, even though they were already eliminated from the playoffs.
She wrote, “Many around the league believe McCarthy is going to get a new contract from Jerry Jones.”
In five seasons with Dallas, McCarthy is 1-3 in the playoffs and hasn’t made an NFC Championship Game. The upcoming coaching carousel could include better options, such as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel.
However, they may not be willing to work with an overbearing owner like Jones. Plus, McCarthy’s circumstances in 2024 haven’t been ideal.
Starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Backup QB Cooper Rush has replaced him, going 4-3 in seven starts.
In Weeks 17 and 18, the Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) on the road and the Washington Commanders (10-5) at home, respectively. Both matchups will be pivotal for McCarthy.
If the Cowboys win both games, they will have a winning record for the fourth straight season. This could help prove the HC deserves another chance in Dallas.
