This is what the Cowboys' purgatory looks like.
Mike McCarthy's job with the team is largely up in the air as his contract expires in less than a week. However, as reported by ESPN, “The future” came up on the topic Thursday during recent discussions between the Super Bowl-winning coach and team owner Jerry Jones.
According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, McCarthy, 61, and Jones, 82, “spent a significant amount of time on Tuesday and Wednesday talking about their futures, including whether they would sign a new contract in Dallas. “Is it possible that McCarthy will coach elsewhere in 2025?”
Sources Fowler spoke to said they “believe there is a good chance that McCarthy will stay,” but both sides “need to be sure.”
McCarthy has coached the Cowboys since 2020, compiling a 49-35 record in five seasons, including three trips to the playoffs.
McCarthy won the Super Bowl with the Packers. expressed a desire to return Sunday after the Cowboys ended their injury-plagued 2024 season with a 23-19 loss to the Commanders.
“I've invested a lot here and the Cowboys have invested a lot in me,” McCarthy said. “And there's also a personal dimension to all these decisions, which means they're all pointing in the right direction.”
Despite his ties to the Cowboys, who finished 7-10 this season, that didn't stop other teams looking for a new head coach from inquiring about McCarthy.
On Monday, the Bears submitted a request to speak with McCarthy about the vacancy. The investigation was blocked by Dallas the next day.
As for the Saints' opening season, Fowler reported Thursday that “McCarthy could be interested.”
Elsewhere on Thursday, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said that “a number of teams,” including the Cowboys, are preparing for the College Football Playoff semifinals and have “talked to some of the college football coaches.” I would like to,” he suggested.
“The team and the Cowboys may want to have a discussion.” [Ohio State coach] Ryan Day. they may want to talk [Notre Dame coach] Marcus Freeman. “The future direction of the NFL is slowly leaning toward younger coaches,” Orlovsky said on “Get Up.” as covered By Aufful Announcement.
Freeman and the Fighting Irish will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, while Day and the Buckeyes will play Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
McCarthy's Cowboys contract expires on Jan. 14, six days before the national championship.
