Mike McCarthy doesn’t need the money. With a Super Bowl on his résumé, he’s too experienced and secure to worry about what others think of his coaching ability.
At this stage of his career, McCarthy, 61, wants to be in a position where he can succeed. At least one former Dallas Cowboys head coach believes McCarthy will remain in the job he’s held since 2020.
“I think he will be the Cowboys coach next year, and he deserves to be the Cowboys coach,” former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson said Sunday morning on the NFL on Fox pregame show.
But what does Dave Campo think?
Take Jimmy’s prediction for what it’s worth. Decades ago, he held the same job for the same boss. At this point, his statement is an educated guess to fill time between commercials.
Shortly after Johnson’s comment, the Cowboys were smoked by the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles, 41-7, in Philadelphia. The loss ensures the Cowboys will not finish with a winning record and highlights glaring issues for the team.
Start with the gulf-sized gap between the NFL’s best teams and “The Others.” The Cowboys firmly belong in the latter group.
Considering the messy situation McCarthy was thrust into last February, the fact that the Cowboys don’t reek of failure is a testament to his coaching. There’s a strong argument for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to extend McCarthy’s contract by three years.
It’s less clear whether McCarthy should accept such an offer.
As many as eight NFL head coaching jobs could open in the coming weeks, and McCarthy will be a top candidate among free agents. The list may include former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. New North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick would likely leave Chapel Hill if an NFL team called – though that’s unlikely.
McCarthy has adapted to the quirks of the NFL’s highest-profile coaching job, particularly The Jerry Factor.
Jerry allowed McCarthy to coach the final year of his contract, and now both have decisions to make. Here’s how potential openings compare to the Cowboys’ job:
Las Vegas Raiders
The most notable accomplishment of owner Mark Davis is securing a new stadium in Las Vegas. Since 2000, the Raiders have cycled through 14 head coaches, including current interim Antonio Pierce.
The roster construction is poor, the quarterback situation is worse and the franchise’s access to The Strip is unrivaled.
Better job: Cowboys.
Jacksonville Jaguars
London’s favorite team is expected to fire Doug Pederson, a significant upgrade over Urban Meyer.
The team has had three 10-win seasons, four playoff appearances, and 17 losing records since 2000. While Trevor Lawrence shows potential, concerns remain about his viability as a franchise quarterback.
Better job: Cowboys.
Chicago Bears
A storied franchise remains mired in mediocrity. The arrival of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hasn’t turned the tide, and coach Matt Eberflus was fired after a 4-8 start.
Better job: Cowboys.
Retirement
Better job: none.
New England Patriots
The first post-Bill Belichick season hasn’t gone well for rookie head coach Jerod Mayo. At 3-12, the Patriots face their third consecutive losing season.
Owner Robert Kraft has shown deference to his coaches in the past, and rookie quarterback Drake Maye offers long-term potential.
Better job: short term, Cowboys; long term, Patriots.
New York Giants
Once a stable franchise, the Giants have stumbled. The mishandling of quarterback Daniel Jones and the departure of Saquon Barkley for nothing in return highlight their issues.
Head coach Brian Daboll is likely to be fired soon. The team’s weak roster and lack of a quarterback could be addressed with a high draft pick, potentially Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Better job: Cowboys.
Tennessee Titans
The firing of Mike Vrabel in 2023 was puzzling, and first-year coach Brian Callahan could be dismissed soon.
Quarterback Will Levis hasn’t impressed, and the roster is flawed. A new stadium is set to open in 2027, but facilities seldom affect a team’s operations.
Better job: Cowboys.
Cleveland Browns
The trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of the worst in sports history. Coach Kevin Stefanski has done his best, but the organization is notoriously dysfunctional.
Better job: Cowboys.
New York Jets
Owner Woody Johnson makes Jerry Jones appear hands-off by comparison. The trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers has backfired, mirroring the franchise’s history of poor decision-making.
Better job: Cowboys.
Mike McCarthy’s prospects
Stay with the Jerry you know.
