Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently shot down speculation about a midseason coaching change this year.
However, following Sunday’s much-needed win over Washington, Jones has now shifted the conversation toward a potential contract extension for head coach Mike McCarthy.
Speaking to 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, Jones didn’t shy away from endorsing McCarthy’s credentials and the idea of keeping him around beyond 2024. “I don’t think that’s crazy at all,” Jones stated. “Mike McCarthy is an outstanding coach. This is a Super Bowl-winning coach. He’s been there, done that, and he’s got great ideas.”
The ringing endorsement comes at an interesting juncture for the Cowboys, who find themselves in the midst of a season marred by inconsistency. McCarthy, who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2010, has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons. While his regular-season record has been solid, including three consecutive 12-5 campaigns, postseason success has eluded the Cowboys under his leadership, with just one playoff victory to show.
This year, a disappointing 4-7 start has derailed hopes for another playoff push, and the Cowboys’ streak of 12-win seasons is all but over. Sunday’s chaotic victory in Washington snapped a five-game losing skid and provided a brief reprieve for McCarthy, who entered the season as a lightning rod for criticism from fans.
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McCarthy’s current contract runs through this year, meaning Jones wouldn’t need to fire him if he opted for a fresh start in 2025. However, the owner’s recent comments indicate that he may view McCarthy as the right leader to guide the Cowboys moving forward—an opinion that’s likely to stir debate among fans and analysts alike.
Critics of McCarthy have often pointed to Dallas’ lack of postseason success during his tenure, arguing that his game management and decision-making under pressure leave much to be desired. Still, Jones has maintained his faith in McCarthy’s abilities, reiterating Tuesday that no part of his “body language” suggests dissatisfaction with the current coaching staff.
The next month will be crucial in shaping McCarthy’s future in Dallas. With four upcoming games against teams currently sitting below .500, the Cowboys have an opportunity to climb back into the playoff conversation. Jones’ comments suggest that how the team performs in these matchups could play a significant role in determining whether McCarthy stays beyond this season.
A key test looms on Thanksgiving Day, when the Cowboys face the struggling New York Giants in a nationally televised game. A poor showing in front of millions of viewers could reignite calls for change and place McCarthy’s job security back in question. Conversely, a commanding win could reinforce Jones’ belief that McCarthy deserves more time to turn things around.
For Cowboys fans, the idea of extending McCarthy’s tenure may feel polarizing at best. While his regular-season records have been respectable, the postseason drought continues to frustrate a fan base hungry for another Super Bowl run. If McCarthy is to earn a new deal, he’ll need to prove that he can deliver more than just consistent regular-season performances.
Jones, known for his bold decisions and unwavering confidence in his own instincts, has made it clear that he values stability and believes in McCarthy’s potential. Whether that belief translates into an extension will likely depend on how the Cowboys finish this turbulent season.
As the franchise navigates its next steps, one thing is certain: the spotlight on McCarthy and the Cowboys will only intensify as the season progresses. And in Dallas, where expectations are sky-high, every game matters in determining the fate of both the coach and the team’s long-term direction.
