It's “devastating” for Micah Parsons and his Cowboys teammates to see Mike McCarthy leave Dallas after five seasons.
When discussing recent coaching reforms On his “The Edge with Micah Parsons” podcastThe star linebacker said he was “very sad” to see the 61-year-old McCarthy leave, citing what is expected to be an “interesting” offseason in Dallas, citing the relationship they have developed over the past few years.
“Obviously I'm very sad considering my relationship with Coach McCarthy and what he's done for our program,” the 25-year-old Parsons said Tuesday, a day after McCarthy and the Cowboys announced they were parting ways. he said.
“…It's devastating. Coach Mike is a great father, coach, one of the winningest coaches and has always been good to us as a group to coaches and players. It hurts to lose a great coach like Mike, but it's going to be a very interesting offseason.”
McCarthy, who was hired in January 2020, led the Cowboys to three postseason appearances and compiled a 49-35 record as head coach.
McCarthy was coaching on an expiring contract, with speculation mounting each week about whether he would return in 2025.
While there have been positive signs of a union reunion (last week, the Cowboys blocked the Bears from talking to McCarthy), the two teams have been unable to come to an agreement on a new contract, especially the length of the contract. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
“I have the utmost respect for Mike and he has guided our team through some very unique and difficult times during his tenure.” Owner Jerry Jones said: in a statement Monday.
“…However, before coming to contract negotiations, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to go in separate directions. We would like to thank Mike and express our gratitude to him, his wife Jessica, and their I wish the family happiness.”
Parsons made controversial comments about McCarthy's future before endorsing McCarthy's return in November, saying he has confidence in the Cowboys' front office but believes the organization is in time for a “complete reset.” He added that he was aware of that.
“I trust the owner, I trust the GM,” the four-time Pro Bowler said. “…We’re going to make the right decisions when it comes to coaching.”
Parsons addressed the buzz surrounding Cowboys greats Deion Sanders and Jason Witten, but called it “speculation.”
“We're going to wait to see who gets hired and who's going to be the DC.” [defensive coordinator]our OC [offensive coordinator] “It's a complete reset,” he said. “It's going to be very interesting and we'll see how they envision their players, who they want to bring in, who they want to keep, who they want to build around.”
The Cowboys picked up Parsons' fifth-year option last April, and he is scheduled to make about $24 million this year. According to Spotrac.
If the Cowboys don't extend him, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Parsons was one of many Cowboys players to be sidelined at some point during the injury-plagued 2024 season.
Dallas finished the season with 7 wins and 10 losses, missing out on the playoffs.
McCarthy, who previously won a Super Bowl as the Packers' head coach, is scheduled to meet with the Bears on Wednesday regarding their coaching vacancy.
