Dallas, Texas – Mike McCarthy, the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, is not expected to receive a contract extension and will coach the 2024 season on an expiring contract, sources within the league have informed ESPN. Despite speculation that McCarthy’s contract could be adjusted, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has confirmed that there will be no changes. Jones believes that being in the last year of a contract brings out the best in individuals, and he is relying on this to happen with McCarthy in the upcoming season.
This is not the first time Jones has allowed a coach to enter the final year of their contract. Jason Garrett, McCarthy’s predecessor, also coached in the last year of his contract twice. In 2014, Garrett led the team to a 12-4 record, earning a five-year contract extension. However, in 2019, after finishing with an 8-8 record, Garrett did not return to the Cowboys, and McCarthy took over as head coach.
The Cowboys have had some success under McCarthy, with a regular-season record of 67-42 and two NFC East titles in the past three years. However, their playoff performance has been lackluster, with only one win in three appearances. McCarthy has expressed that his focus is on building a legacy rather than securing a new contract, and he is not concerned about the lack of an extension.
Yet, the fact that McCarthy will be coaching in the final year of his deal may create potential issues for the team. Some sources suggest that he may struggle to attract top-tier coaching staff due to his contract status. Others speculate that if the 2024 season does not go well for the Cowboys, McCarthy’s contract situation could affect the players’ morale.
The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl in 28 seasons, and although McCarthy acknowledges the work ahead, he remains determined to bring a championship to Dallas. McCarthy emphasizes that his goal is solely focused on winning a world championship and not on securing another contract. He urges fans to believe in the team’s potential and commitment to success.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on McCarthy and the Cowboys. The team’s performance, and McCarthy’s ability to navigate the challenges of coaching in the final year of his deal, will be closely scrutinized. Whether McCarthy’s coaching prowess can lead the Cowboys to greater success remains to be seen, but he is determined to bring a long-awaited championship to Dallas.