Mike McCarthy out as Dallas Cowboys coach after five seasons

On By Littum

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After months of speculation, Mike McCarthy will not return to Dallas Cowboys.

With McCarthy’s contract set to expire Tuesday, the coach and team will part ways rather than work to pursue an extension, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports Jarrett Bell. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither party had yet disclosed the decision. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was the first to report the news.

McCarthy will now be free to interview with other teams after the Cowboys declined the Chicago Bears’ request last week to speak with the coach about their vacancy.

McCarthy finished his Cowboys tenure with a 49-35 record and three postseason appearances in five seasons, including a 7-10 mark in his final year.

Amid speculation that he could pursue a job with another franchise given his expiring contract, McCarthy said after the Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders that he preferred to stay with Dallas.

“Absolutely. I’ve invested a lot here and the Cowboys have invested a lot in me,” McCarthy said. “And then there’s a personal side to all these decisions. They all point in the right direction. I think anytime you invest your time, energy, your faith, the connection you have, the relationships that are in place here, the understanding of what the organization can and is willing to do. These are all positive qualities that you take into account.”

McCarthy’s position had been under scrutiny for nearly a year when Jerry Jones opted to bring the coach back for the final season of his contract despite a wild card loss last January to the Green Bay Packers. But he offered no extension and declared the franchise would be “all in” for 2024 after three consecutive 12-win seasons failed to result in the team breaking what was then a 28-year drought to reach the NFC – the championship.

Still, the Cowboys took a big hit early as the organization’s 16-game regular-season home streak gave way to five losses at AT&T Stadium to start the season. The 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 6 was the largest deficit in a home contest during Jones’ tenure as owner.

Injuries also took a significant toll, with linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs among those who missed significant time. When quarterback Dak Prescott underwent season-ending surgery for a partially torn hamstring in early November, many expected the team to extend a skid that eventually dropped Dallas to 3-7.

But the Cowboys would go on to win four of their next five, fueling speculation that McCarthy could remain with the franchise.

Jones was largely complementary with McCarthy through the fall and winter, though he stopped short of committing to him.

This story has been updated with new information.