Mike McCarthy has become a likely candidate for a new team after his expected departure from the Dallas Cowboys. The head coach’s future in Dallas is all but sealed, as Jerry Jones refused to offer him a contract extension this past spring, leaving McCarthy in a lame-duck position. His attempt to spark a fire under the Cowboys has instead led to their worst season during his tenure. As McCarthy’s contract is set to expire, it’s clear he won’t return for another season. While the focus has been on who the Cowboys will hire next, there’s growing interest in where McCarthy will land in the offseason.
In an analysis for The Athletic, Jeff Howe named McCarthy as a potential top candidate for the New York Jets in 2025. McCarthy’s history with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom he coached for over a decade in Green Bay, could make him a strong fit for the Jets. With Rodgers aiming to play at least one more season, bringing in McCarthy, who guided him to a Super Bowl, makes sense for a team desperate to revive its fortunes.
Despite the struggles McCarthy has faced in Dallas, particularly in the playoffs, he remains a respected coach with a track record of regular-season success. Whether Rodgers will approve of the reunion is uncertain, but it’s clear McCarthy will likely be coaching elsewhere next year.