Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy fail to agree on new contract, sending him to free agency

The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy could not reach an agreement on a deal for a new contract, and the 61-year-old head coach will now seek other opportunities when he becomes a free agent this week, a source confirmed to the Star-Telegram.

Despite extensive conversations over the last week since the conclusion of the Cowboys’ regular season on Jan. 5, frustration had grown over the lack of contract talks between Jerry Jones and McCarthy with the final straw being a widely different view on the length of a new contract. Now, Jones will be on the hunt for a new head coach in 2025.

While his contract technically ended Wednesday, Jan. 8, McCarthy is under an exclusive negotiating window with the Cowboys through Tuesday, Jan. 14. The remainder of the period has been waived and he is free to speak with other teams along with his assistants.

The Chicago Bears are expected to show interest after sending in an interview request last week. The New Orleans Saints could also look to bring back McCarthy for an interview after he was a coordinator there from 2000-04. The Jacksonville Jaguars could also show interest.

Under McCarthy, the Cowboys were 49-35 in five seasons and owned a 1-3 record in the postseason. In his final two seasons, he was the offensive playcaller with a No. 1 scoring offense in 2023, but a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them finish 21st in scoring and 17th in total offense.

McCarthy has confirmed to his assistant coaches that he will not be returning to Dallas.

He heads into free agency with the expectation that he will find his third coaching job in the NFL. The Cowboys will be searching for a new head coach for the first time since 2020 when they moved on from Jason Garrett.

Here is a statement from Jerry Jones on the Cowboys and McCarthy splitting ways:

“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike’s qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being,” said Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.

Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover. Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.

We will commence a search process immediately to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”