The Dallas Cowboys have kept Mike McCarthy as their head coach despite playoff struggles after three straight 12-5 seasons. However, if the team continues to underperform in 2024 and stays under .500, McCarthy’s position could be in jeopardy.
Jerry Jones, both owner and general manager, is known for being patient with his coaches, partly taking responsibility for failures. But after four-plus seasons of unmet expectations, McCarthy’s time might be running out.
Here’s a breakdown of how quickly Jones’ patience could wear thin with McCarthy, as the Cowboys began the season 1-2, losing back-to-back home games to the Saints and Ravens.
What would it cost to fire McCarthy?
McCarthy signed a five-year contract worth $4-$7 million annually in 2020, after a year off from coaching. His deal runs through 2024, and the Cowboys will owe him nothing if they part ways before his contract expires in 2025. A midseason firing would also come at little financial cost to the Cowboys.
McCarthy’s record with the Cowboys
McCarthy’s first season saw the Cowboys finish 6-10 after Dak Prescott’s ankle injury. Since then, McCarthy’s record has improved to 37-17, totaling 43-27 (.614). Under him, Dallas has won two NFC East titles and secured a wild-card spot.
Though McCarthy improved on his 125-77-2 (.618) record with the Packers, where he also won a Super Bowl, he’s 1-3 in the playoffs with Dallas, compared to 10-8 in Green Bay. While Prescott has had shaky playoff performances, he’s secured a long-term extension, unlike McCarthy, whose contract runs out soon.
How hot is McCarthy’s seat?
For McCarthy to stay, the Cowboys need to make the playoffs and advance. But if it becomes clear they won’t reach the postseason, he could be replaced midseason. The Cowboys’ 1-2 start, including a loss to the Ravens, will only increase speculation.
Their Week 4 matchup against the Giants provides a chance to bounce back, but they can’t overlook a team that recently beat the Browns. After that, a tough four-game stretch looms, making it likely they’ll only win one game and enter the bye week at 3-5, matching their loss totals from the last three seasons.
If McCarthy is fired during the season, Jones could appoint defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as interim coach, with plans to make a bigger hire in the offseason to end the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought.
At 1-2, rumors about McCarthy’s replacement are already swirling, with names like Bill Belichick, Lions OC Ben Johnson, and Falcons OC Zac Robinson being mentioned. McCarthy’s time in Dallas has been productive, but 2024 could quickly become a disastrous season.
