Mike McCarthy will not coach another game in Dallas

After five years with the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy is a free-agent coach.

The Cowboys have made it clear that he will not be coming back, which is an extreme change of heart from what owner Jerry Jones has been stating since the season ended.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy have yet to engage in negotiations, and then he would soon announce that a contract would not be happening.

Mike McCarthy is not expected to return to Dallas and is now set to become a free agent, per source. The two sides engaged in no discussions about a new deal, and McCarthy is expected to be a candidate in Chicago and New Orleans. https://t.co/8YpUIXqdtw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2025

“The two sides engaged in no discussions about a new deal,” Schefter reported.

Two Teams Have Already Emerged as Interested in Mike McCarthy

This is the end of the McCarthy era in Dallas.

The Cowboys coach has not negotiated with the franchise ahead of becoming a free agent on Wednesday.

Now that he will be free, the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints, both with vacant head coaching roles, are expected to show interest in speaking to McCarthy.

Curiously, the Cowboys denied the Bears’ request to interview McCarthy last week.