FRISCO, Texas — Jerry Jones’ timeframe on whether or not to maintain Mike McCarthy as Dallas Cowboys coach might be affected by the Chicago Bears.
Multiple sources stated the Bears have sought permission to talk with McCarthy concerning their head teaching emptiness. A supply informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Cowboys have but to answer the request.
McCarthy’s contract expires Wednesday, however the Cowboys maintain unique negotiating rights by means of Jan. 14. After that McCarthy would turn out to be a training free agent.
After Sunday’s 23-19 season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders, Jones continued to reward McCarthy however was noncommittal concerning the coach’s future in Dallas.
McCarthy stated he “completely” needs to return to Dallas, the place he has posted a 49-35 regular-season file however is simply 1-3 within the playoffs. The Cowboys completed 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the primary time since 2020, McCarthy’s first season.
Jones was requested if he would enable a staff to talk to McCarthy if it sought permission, and the proprietor and normal supervisor stated he simply did one thing comparable with working again Ezekiel Elliott, releasing him within the ultimate week of the season for the possibility to affix a playoff staff.
“I would not need anyone teaching who did not need to be right here,” Jones stated.
Jones and McCarthy are set to satisfy this week on the path of the franchise. When requested if McCarthy might return as coach however not name performs, which he has completed the previous two seasons, Jones stated, “Anything is feasible.”
McCarthy met with the staff Monday morning and gave no indication of his future. He thanked the gamers for his or her exhausting work and went by means of the end-of-season guidelines, akin to assembly with the medical employees and their place coaches.
“I’m within the wind identical to you guys,” Micah Parsons stated.
Though McCarthy’s intent Sunday was to stay in Dallas, it is not recognized if Chicago’s curiosity will change something.
“I’ve rather a lot invested right here. And the Cowboys have rather a lot invested in me,” McCarthy stated after the sport. “And then there is a private aspect to all these selections. They all level the fitting path. I feel anytime you make investments your time, vitality, your perception, the connection you have got, the relationships which might be in place right here, the understanding of what the group can do and is prepared to do, these are all constructive attributes that you simply keep in mind. But, you realize, completely, I’m a builder. I imagine in constructing applications. I imagine in creating younger gamers. So, on the finish of day, it’s about successful, and you must have these elements in place to get this factor the place it must be. I feel we’ve an excellent basis right here.”
McCarthy’s 174 wins are thirteenth in NFL historical past. He coached the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018 and received six NFC North titles and Super Bowl XLV.
He has a 19-7 file towards the Bears in his profession.
Coincidentally, Chicago is without doubt one of the Cowboys’ opponents in 2025.
Besides McCarthy, the Bears additionally reportedly requested to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson throughout Detroit’s week off earlier than its playoff opener. According to Schefter, the Bears additionally requested interviews with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Interim head coach Thomas Brown will even obtain a proper interview, in keeping with GM Ryan Poles.
