The Dallas Cowboys are rapidly approaching a significant decision regarding their head coach, Mike McCarthy, as the team prepares for Week 18—the final game of his current contract. With the end of McCarthy’s tenure looming, it’s natural to focus on what the Cowboys will do next. However, the narrative surrounding McCarthy’s future isn’t entirely in Dallas’ hands. There’s the very real possibility that McCarthy could take matters into his own hands if other NFL teams express interest in him. As I discussed earlier this month, the Chicago Bears appeared to be a potential landing spot for McCarthy, and now, as 2025 draws near, the likelihood of him coaching elsewhere is growing stronger.

Reports are already circulating about McCarthy being on the radar of other NFL teams. Jay Glazer, NFL insider for FOX, revealed on Sunday, before the Cowboys’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, that McCarthy’s name was being considered by other teams should the Cowboys choose not to re-sign him. Earlier in the week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero speculated about the New Orleans Saints being a possible option for McCarthy, particularly due to his established relationships with the franchise.

This situation now presents three potential outcomes for McCarthy’s future:

1. The Cowboys decide to move on from McCarthy and seek a new head coach, while McCarthy either finds a new home with another team or takes a break from football.
2. The Cowboys bring McCarthy back for another season, keeping the continuity in place.
3. The Cowboys want McCarthy to return, but he chooses to pursue a coaching opportunity elsewhere.

The third scenario, though highly unlikely, could be a fascinating twist if it plays out. After all, McCarthy’s contract expires at the end of the season, and if teams interested in hiring him start making their moves, he could opt to leave Dallas. If McCarthy were to choose another team over the Cowboys—especially if quarterback Dak Prescott and other key players voiced their desire for him to stay—it would be a stunning blow to the franchise. For McCarthy to leave after working with Dallas since 2020 and after building strong relationships with key players would signal that he no longer has faith in the Cowboys’ direction, both on and off the field.

Such a decision could indicate McCarthy’s dissatisfaction with the way things are run in Dallas, and perhaps even frustration with the team’s handling of the roster in 2024, which saw a lack of significant investment in free agency. The Cowboys have made it clear that they expect another tight budget year when it comes to spending, which could play a role in McCarthy’s decision.

So, how likely is this third scenario? To be honest, it seems unlikely for a few reasons. First, McCarthy would risk losing his current job by flirting with other teams. Coaching decisions happen quickly in the NFL, and the Cowboys could easily find their replacement before McCarthy has a chance to explore other opportunities. Second, McCarthy may value the continuity he has built in Dallas. The relationships with key players, especially with Dak Prescott, are not something to take lightly. As I mentioned earlier in December, if there were a contract extension offer on the table, it could very well be the bond McCarthy has developed with his players that keeps him in Dallas. Even in a tough season, the Cowboys have shown a strong commitment to McCarthy, and players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons have battled through injuries and frustrations, demonstrating their buy-in to the team’s long-term goals.

In the end, the McCarthy situation will only grow louder as we approach the final moments of the regular season. Once the clock hits zero next Sunday at AT&T Stadium, the conversation will intensify, and the future of the Cowboys’ head coach will be front and center. Will McCarthy stay and build upon what he’s created in Dallas, or will he look to start fresh with another team? Only time will tell.