Mike McCarthy’s Future with Cowboys Uncertain as Contract Talks Stall

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is set to become a free agent after contract negotiations with the team stalled, according to league sources. The Cowboys and McCarthy did not engage in discussions about a new deal, leaving his future with the franchise in doubt as the exclusive negotiating window expires Tuesday.

McCarthy, who led the Cowboys to a 7-10 record in the 2023 season, has been in talks with owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones multiple times over the past week. Initial discussions focused on the team’s performance in 2024, while later conversations addressed potential changes to the roster, offensive strategy, and coaching staff. Despite these talks, no agreement has been reached.

McCarthy’s five-year, $40 million contract, signed in 2020, expired after the season. The 60-year-old coach has a 49-35 record over his tenure with the Cowboys, including three playoff appearances but no postseason victories. His future now hinges on whether the Cowboys offer a new deal or allow him to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Jerry Jones hinted at an “incentive plan” for coaches during a recent interview, suggesting that performance-based bonuses could be a factor in future contracts. “I might say, ‘Look, I’m going to pay you this much, but then [I won’t pay you] any more. And I know you want twice that, but if you get to the playoffs or you win a Super Bowl, I’ll give you five times that,'” Jones said.

McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010, is reportedly a candidate for head coaching vacancies with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. The Bears previously requested permission to speak with McCarthy, but the Cowboys denied the request, citing the ongoing negotiating window.

With no salary cap on NFL coaching staffs, Jones has historically been reluctant to pay top dollar for assistants. Last year, he criticized the size of the Cowboys’ coaching staff, which included more than 30 assistants. However, the potential departure of McCarthy could signal a broader shift in the team’s approach to coaching contracts.

As the deadline approaches, the Cowboys face a critical decision: retain McCarthy with a new deal or part ways with the veteran coach, opening the door for a new era in Dallas.