Mike McCarthy has been nervous at the end of each of his first three seasons in Dallas and looks to continue that tradition despite his successful season.
At first glance, it may seem absurd that a coach who led his team to a 12-5 season would risk losing his job. Ultimately, in 2023, it was McCarthy who took control of the offense after walking the highly regarded Kellen Moore.
As the Cowboys look to make their first deep postseason run in decades, here’s what you need to know about McCarthy’s job security. Will the Cowboys fire Mike McCarthy after a playoff loss? Rumors surrounding McCarthy’s job security began after the Cowboys beat the Commanders in Week 18 and finished the season 12-5. Immediately after the game, Jones was asked about McCarthy’s future, but he expressed no confidence.
“We’ll see how each playoff game plays out,” Jones said, according to Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr.
Jones’ lackluster response led many to speculate that if McCarthy and the Cowboys lose early in the playoffs, it would be enough for the owner to move on from him. McCarthy led the Cowboys to the playoffs for three straight seasons, but went just 1-2 in the postseason. If McCarthy falls to 1-3 or 2-3, Jones could face a difficult decision about whether the veteran coach has the skills needed to deliver a Super Bowl run.
But Jones seemed to have more praise for McCarthy during his appearance on 105.3 The Fan’s Shan & RJ. He also walked back a bit on his comments, saying he was “a little surprised” that they got so much attention and explaining that he didn’t want to talk about McCarthy’s contract as he prepares for the playoffs.
“I don’t know how I could put it more clearly,” Jones said of his remarks. “Coach McCarthy has a contract for next year. So it’s not a problem. Secondly, I am very satisfied with what he has achieved and how he is being coached. … I’m not going to sit here in the middle of the playoffs and start talking about a contract with him. Why would you do that?
“But he’s the busiest cat in all of Texas. … So the last thing I want to do is waste my time talking to him about these types of things, contracts, contract renewals, especially when I have a contract. Then that’s it.”
Jones appears to be planning to keep McCarthy around. But his status will need to be closely monitored if the Packers become the first No. 7 seed to pull off an upset win or if the Cowboys fail to advance to the NFC Championship Game, which they haven’t qualified for since 1996. Of the year. — McCarthy’s seat could have been a little warmer.
