Jerry Jones watched his Dallas Cowboys endure a brutal 36-6 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles, which further soured an already disappointing season.
With Dak Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes look more theoretical than practical. Mike McCarthy, under scrutiny for weeks, hasn’t found a solution to the team’s offensive struggles or defensive issues, and, despite the mathematical chance, the outlook remains bleak.
McCarthy’s contract is up after this season, sparking speculation about whether Jones might finally reset the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Though this season’s results haven’t met expectations, Jones has repeatedly emphasized his reluctance to make impulsive coaching changes—a theme that’s fueled NFL talk. With the Cowboys facing a lackluster 3-6 record and McCarthy’s contract expiring, many question if Jones will finally pull the plug.
When asked directly about McCarthy’s future, Jones confirmed the head coach will not be fired mid-season, even as the Cowboys’ season trends downward. “Everybody’s got a hand in this,” Jones explained. “Players play the game, and we know the closest ones to them are the coaches. Closest to them are the people that hire the coaches. So, everybody’s got a role in this. Everyone does.” Jones has often expressed regret over past coaching changes, citing his decisions with Chan Gailey and Wade Phillips as examples of moves he wished he’d reconsidered.
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While Jones remains adamant about McCarthy’s job security, the question looms as to whether he’ll offer an extension or seek a fresh face to lead the Cowboys next season. McCarthy’s tenure has been marred by inconsistency, playoff exits, and now, a struggling 2024 season. The speculation has only intensified with names like Ben Johnson, the Lions’ rising offensive coordinator, and Deion Sanders, whose transformational work at Colorado has made him a popular candidate among fans and analysts alike.
If the Cowboys don’t turn things around in the final stretch of games, Jones may feel pressure from fans to explore new coaching options. Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes and Sanders’ motivational skills would each offer unique advantages, though both would also bring challenges. Johnson has crafted one of the league’s most dynamic offenses with the Lions, while Sanders has established a reputation for revitalizing programs. Either would bring fresh energy to the Cowboys, but Jones has historically preferred stability and continuity in his coaching hires.
A potential coaching change would be massive for Dallas, considering the franchise’s inability to return to Super Bowl contention under recent head coaches. If Jones does opt for a change, he’ll face a critical decision on who can maximize the team’s talent and bring a consistent winning culture back to Dallas. The Cowboys’ star-studded roster suggests they’re capable of more, but they’ll need a coach who can take them beyond regular-season success.
For McCarthy, these final games could serve as an audition to prove he can lead the Cowboys back to relevance. A strong finish might convince Jones to extend his contract, while continued struggles will likely have the opposite effect. The Cowboys’ remaining schedule includes tough divisional matchups, and McCarthy must show he can navigate this stretch and secure a winning record to keep his job.
Jones, known for his loyalty but also his high expectations, must weigh the potential risk of moving on from McCarthy with the opportunity to inject new energy into the organization. For Cowboys fans who’ve long been eager to return to the playoffs and beyond, this decision will be as important as any draft or free agency signing.
As the 2024 season winds down, Jones’ commitment to McCarthy will likely come under even more scrutiny, especially if the Cowboys continue to struggle. His decision will shape the direction of the franchise and determine whether the Cowboys remain stagnant or find new life under a different leader.
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