Mike McCarthy Out as Dallas Cowboys Head Coach After Contract Expiration

Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys has come to an end as his contract expired, and he will not return as head coach next season.

McCarthy's contract, which ended after the 2024 season, was not extended after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the terms. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that they decided to part ways when contract negotiations broke down.

Last week, the Cowboys blocked the Chicago Bears' request to interview McCarthy for their head coaching vacancy, suggesting that talks for an extension were still ongoing. Now, McCarthy is free to pursue other opportunities, should the Bears still be interested.

The Cowboys finished with a 7-10 record this season, marred by multiple blowout losses, including a 41-7 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17. While McCarthy helped the team recover midway through the season, winning four of five games after a 3-7 start, the team’s performance tailed off with two losses to close out the year.

Dallas entered the season with high expectations but struggled early. Although Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury was a major setback, the Cowboys’ offensive issues persisted even when Prescott was healthy. Apart from a late-season surge where the team averaged 27.4 points over a five-game stretch, Dallas’ offense largely underperformed.

Mike McCarthy Out as Dallas Cowboys Head Coach After Contract Expiration

Under McCarthy, the Cowboys won 12 games in each of the past three seasons, but the team could not break through to the NFC Championship, a milestone the franchise has not reached since 1995. Despite multiple playoff exits, owner Jerry Jones showed patience with McCarthy, but the 2024 season’s rapid decline marked the end of their relationship.

The Cowboys' head coaching position is challenging, with significant salary cap commitments to key players like Prescott, who is coming off an injury and turning 32. The job comes with immense pressure and attention, but it also offers a strong regular-season track record and the status of one of the most high-profile positions in sports.

It will be fascinating to see which direction Jones takes in his search for a new coach, as the next hire will need to handle the considerable expectations that come with leading the Cowboys.