Cowboys Deny Bears’ Request to Interview Mike McCarthy

The Dallas Cowboys have denied the Chicago Bears‘ request to interview head coach Mike McCarthy for their vacant coaching position, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision comes as McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys is set to expire on Wednesday, though the team retains exclusive negotiating rights until January 14.

McCarthy, who has led the Cowboys to a 49-35 regular-season record over five seasons, expressed his desire to remain in Dallas. “I absolutely want to return to Dallas,” McCarthy said after the team’s season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite his regular-season success, McCarthy’s playoff record with the Cowboys stands at 1-3, and the team missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 2020.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been noncommittal about McCarthy’s future but indicated a willingness to negotiate. “The determining [if McCarthy is back] and the negotiating [with McCarthy] is all in one motion,” Jones said. “We’ll determine if the will is there and the terms are there.”

Meanwhile, the Bears are exploring other candidates, including former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who is scheduled to interview for the position on Thursday. The Bears have also requested interviews with several other coaches, including Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel.

McCarthy, who previously coached the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018, has 174 career wins, ranking 13th in NFL history. He led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory and six NFC North titles during his tenure in Green Bay.

As the Cowboys and McCarthy continue discussions, the Bears are expected to cast a wide net in their search for a new head coach. Chicago general manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of finding a coach with a clear vision and a strong plan for developing a quarterback. “We’re looking for clear vision, a developmental mindset, really good game management, and obviously a plan to develop a quarterback is going to be a key part of that as well,” Poles said.