Just In: What Happens If McCarthy Rejects Jerry’s Contract Offer?

FRISCO – Heading into the 2024 season, Mike McCarthy faced immense pressure to lead the Dallas Cowboys back to the top of the NFC after a disappointing NFC Wild Card loss in January. While McCarthy had much to prove, he was also confronted with a series of unusual challenges, aside from the task of replicating last season’s success. The Cowboys surprised many by not extending McCarthy’s contract during the offseason, opting to let him coach out the final year of his deal. Adding to the tension, the team made no major moves to improve the roster, and contract negotiations with key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb extended well past the preseason. With a 7-8 record, McCarthy’s job would likely be on the line. However, injuries to star players on both sides of the ball have kept the Cowboys in contention, with McCarthy keeping the team motivated for a strong finish. While some might focus on moral victories, owner Jerry Jones appeared satisfied with McCarthy’s efforts, even embracing him in the locker room after the Cowboys’ 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, McCarthy’s future remains uncertain without a contract extension. Despite this, the case for his return seems plausible, especially given Jerry’s actions and the subtle support from those within the organization.

With McCarthy gaining momentum, are the Cowboys under pressure to lock him down before he seeks a better opportunity elsewhere? And could the recent national speculation—perhaps fueled by McCarthy’s agent, Don Yee—hint at his desire to leave the ‘circus’ in Dallas due to the constant scrutiny? With head coaching vacancies already open with the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints, these teams will be front and center in the upcoming coaching carousel. Our own Mike Fisher has already discussed the possibility of McCarthy choosing to leave on his own terms—after all, anything is possible.

However, most coaches we’ve spoken to believe that being with the Cowboys is a worthwhile ‘circus’ because, as many refer to it, Dallas is ‘The Big Stage.’ The rewards are immense, but so is the scrutiny and attention. Yet, the pressure to win in Dallas isn’t greater than anywhere else. Think there’s no ‘scrutiny’ in Chicago or New York? If there’s no ‘pressure’ in Green Bay, why did Super Bowl-winning McCarthy get fired there?

However, none of those other jobs compare to what McCarthy has in Frisco. While the drama surrounding the Jones family and the front office will always be a significant concern for McCarthy—or anyone who takes over as head coach—the Cowboys offer a far stronger foundation and a better chance to compete than the situations with the Bears, Jets, or Saints. While Dallas does have areas to address in the offseason, the core of this team has the talent needed to contend at the top of the NFC. So, while ‘pressure’ can be a topic of discussion from all sides, there is no indication that McCarthy is leaving, wants to leave, or that the ‘scrutiny’ in Dallas is the driving force behind any potential change at The Star.