When you're winning, when you go back to the locker room after the game, everything feels great.
But for Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, every win to end the regular season could mean a contract extension. And a warm embrace with owner Jerry Jones has football fans wondering if it's close.
McCarthy and Jones were seen giving each other a big hug after the Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 on “Sunday Night Football.”
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones answered questions from new head coach Mike McCarthy during a press conference at the Ford Center at the Star. (Matthew Emmons-USA Today Sports)
They were all smiles as they hugged each other, but Jones also had a serious expression on his face as he spoke to McCarthy, but the microphone couldn't pick up what McCarthy was saying. On the surface, it was one of those good, serious conversations as the Cowboys moved to 7-8 on the year.
Now, the reality of this season is that the Cowboys will be eliminated from playoff contention, but not that Jones or anyone else in the organization expected that by the end of Week 17.
But McCarthy revitalized a team that was once sluggish at 3-7 after losing to the Reds. houston texans November 18th.
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Dallas has won four of its last five games, all without franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott suffered a hamstring injury on Nov. 3 against the Atlanta Falcons that required surgery to repair, prematurely ending his 2024 season.
Jones has really liked what he's seen from the owner's box in recent weeks.
“They came out and played like they were in a championship game to get to the Super Bowl,” Jones said after the win, according to Yahoo Sports. “Words can't express how proud I am of them and the coaching staff. It really taught me something.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
McCarthy spoke to the media about the locker room he just found himself in and how he feels the team is still playing like it's the last play of the season, even though the playoffs aren't in sight. spoke.
“I think it shows who they are,” McCarthy explained. “I think everyone says coaches always speak highly of the locker room, and this is what I'm talking about. When I say, 'Great locker room,' this is the definition. 'Sounds like a great locker room. ”
It was just a turnaround for McCarthy, who looked like he was close to winning as the Cowboys continued to move closer to a top draft pick rather than a playoff spot. However, despite his struggles in 2024, McCarthy received the approval of Prescott and others for a contract extension.
Jones himself recently commented on McCarthy's contract situation, saying near Thanksgiving that he didn't feel “absolutely crazy” to extend his contract. After all, McCarthy has gone 12-5 in each of his past three seasons prior to this season, and could still be a year above .500.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks along the sideline during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman Iman Images)
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McCarthy has two weeks left on his current contract, and if Dallas performs well against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, two teams in the NFC East with strong playoff chances, he could be eligible for the future. will continue to lead Team America.
As the saying goes, let's end the year on a good note. McCarthy is letting the Boys play accordingly.
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