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Mike McCarthy to leave the Dallas Cowboys, team confirms

Mike McCarthy to leave Dallas Cowboys after contract expires
Mike McCarthy to leave Dallas Cowboys after contract expires 03:21

DALLAS – Mike McCarthy could not reach a contract extension agreement with the Dallas Cowboys and will be pursuing new opportunities, the team confirmed with CBS News Texas.

The Cowboys said they are letting his contract expire. It was a 4-year deal set to run out on Jan. 14.

Sports experts have argued that McCarthy's three (12-5) winning seasons may not have been a strong enough case to keep him in Dallas for a sixth season. It's no secret McCarthy and the rest of the Cowboys' coaching staff were working on the final year of each of their contracts with no guarantees for the future.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he has great respect for McCarthy.

"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being," said Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. "I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.
Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover.  Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."

McCarthy has arguably been in the hot seat since ending last season with a gut-wrenching postseason wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The then No. 2 seed Cowboys snapped their home game winning streak that lasted for 16 months prior; more importantly, the Cowboys became the first 12-win team in three consecutive seasons to not win a conference title.

Still, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had high hopes for the 2024 season. However, injuries, including their newly signed 60 million-a-year quarterback, made reaching the playoffs nearly impossible. Despite the disappointing season, Jones continued to praise McCarthy's contributions in Dallas.

"We've had three outstanding seasons, three 12-win seasons. It doesn't take any effort on my part to look at and see the positives of what we've had as a team under Mike McCarthy."

McCarthy's five-year tenure in Dallas ends, but his overall winning record and resume, which include a Super Bowl and 12 playoff trips in 18 seasons, are expected to draw interest across the league.

Jones thanked McCarthy in the statement Monday afternoon and wished him and his family the best. He said the Cowboys will begin the search for the next head coach immediately.  

McCarthy's record as Dallas Cowboys head coach

2020 - (6-10)

2021 - (12-5)

2022 - (12-5)

2023 - (12-5)

2024 - (7-10) 

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