NFL Rumors: Cowboys Left Reeling After Mike McCarthy’s Surprising Departure

The Dallas Cowboys’ head coach vacancy has sent shockwaves through the NFL, as Mike McCarthy’s sudden exit follows a turbulent seven-win season. This was no conventional separation, as McCarthy’s contract expired and his future remained uncertain for over a week. As Wild Card Weekend concluded, Jerry Jones and McCarthy parted ways, leaving the Cowboys with a major leadership gap. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reveals that McCarthy’s decision not to sign a new deal caught the Cowboys completely off guard.

The Unforeseen Breakup: How McCarthy Surprised the Cowboys

The shocking split between Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys was unexpected. According to Russini, there was a sense of disbelief within the Cowboys’ camp. “There’s definitely a camp I’m talking to that’s like… this is not real. This is not real. They talked. This is all flirting,” she shared. McCarthy’s decision to walk away was not anticipated by Jerry Jones, who had hoped to bring the head coach back for another season. But without an agreement in place, the Cowboys were forced to react quickly and figure out how to fill the vacant head coaching position.

The Cowboys’ Struggle to React: A Plan in Disarray

The sudden departure left Jerry Jones and the Cowboys scrambling for a plan. As Russini explained, “The plan was to bring him back. They did not have a plan in place here.” Without a backup strategy, the Cowboys quickly found themselves in a difficult position, needing to figure out their next move on the fly. As they now turn their attention to potential replacements, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are in a race against time to secure their next head coach.

Who’s Next for the Cowboys? The Candidates Under Consideration

While the Cowboys’ head coach search is still in its early stages, several big names have already been linked to the job. The most prominent candidate is Deion Sanders, the Colorado head coach who has turned heads with his impressive performance in just two seasons. Reports indicate that Jerry Jones is interested in Sanders, and Sanders himself has expressed mutual interest in the NFL gig. However, Jerry Jones has a history of hiring coaches with NFL experience, which might make Sanders’ candidacy more complex.

In addition to Sanders, the Cowboys have reportedly interviewed Kellen Moore, their former offensive coordinator and backup quarterback. Moore’s potential return to Dallas would mirror the career trajectory of Jason Garrett, who filled both roles in the past. The Cowboys are also rumored to be considering Robert Saleh, the former head coach of the New York Jets, although no interviews have been confirmed yet.

Mike McCarthy’s Next Move: A New Beginning

Despite the sudden nature of his departure, McCarthy is far from being without options. Since leaving the Cowboys, he has already lined up two interviews for head coaching positions. He met with the Chicago Bears and is also scheduled to interview with the New Orleans Saints. These interviews represent a potential return to familiar territory for McCarthy, who spent 13 seasons in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers, followed by a stint as the Saints’ offensive coordinator.

McCarthy’s Legacy in Dallas: A Strong Regular Season, But Playoff Disappointment

During his three years as the Cowboys’ head coach, McCarthy led the team to 12 wins in each season. Despite this consistent success in the regular season, the Cowboys’ postseason performance was a major letdown, with only one playoff victory to show for it. Ultimately, the lack of postseason success led to the end of McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys. While the team showed promise, it wasn’t enough to convince Jerry Jones that McCarthy was the right leader moving forward.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both the Cowboys and McCarthy?

As the Cowboys embark on their search for a new head coach, both the organization and Mike McCarthy have significant decisions ahead. The Cowboys must weigh whether they want a fresh approach or a return to familiarity with a candidate like Kellen Moore. Meanwhile, McCarthy is seeking a new opportunity, with the potential to lead another franchise back to prominence. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the Cowboys and McCarthy’s next coaching chapter.