FRISCO – In a hilarious turn of events, what was once a militant torch-and-pitchfork-wielding “Army of Mike McCarthy Haters” has suddenly become “The Big Mike Fan Club,” with Dallas Cowboys-watching media and fans alike getting their knickers twisted over the lame-duck head coach the victim of “mean-spiritedness” on the part of Jerry Jones. How the heck did that happen?

If it is of any comfort: A source close to the ongoing contract extension discussions occurring here in Frisco as you read this tells CowboysCountry.com there is “no animosity” between the Joneses and the coach.

There is, rather, every indicated that both sides would like to renew this five-year marriage, with all of the positives and all of the negatives that all involved have brought to the table as Dallas has extended its Super Bowl drought to 30 years.

With his contract officially expiring on January 14 – something, remember, that both sides agreed to five years ago – there is an understanding here inside The Star.

But there is obviously a great deal of angst-driven misunderstanding brewing outside the building.

While this entire setup could in theory turn sour and leave those involved divorced and displeased (at which time the Cowboys would hire another coach (call Sark!) and McCarthy would, by all accounts, be virtually assured of a top job in Chicago or New Orleans or wherever) … Jerry isn’t miffed. Stephen isn’t miffed.

And – hug your pillows in glee, worrywarts! – McCarthy isn’t miffed.

Ah, but Cowboys Nation … and beyond … is miffed enough for all of us, with many of the same people who a week ago wanted McCarthy run out of Frisco on a rail now expressing that they want him bathed in Holy anointing oil. (As Bill Parcells used to say.) From Get Up! and Mike Greenberg: “This is just not right.

There is an agreement in the NFL and you never hold a person back from getting an opportunity. … Jerry’s doing this because he wants to have his cake and eat it, too … just because he can.”

From Blogging the Boys: “Making Mike McCarthy sweat like this, not to mention all of the staffers involved and the families of everyone, is indeed a cruel thing to do.” Related: Our Cowboys Terrible 10 Plays That Shaped Disastrous Season From ESPN’s Jeff Saturday: “It’s ridiculous and mean-spirited. If you don’t want him, tell him you don’t want him and move on. It makes no sense.”

From a fanboy website affiliated with SI: “The marriage between the Cowboys and McCarthy has been a rocky one. … So, what if McCarthy were to tell the Cowboys he is ready to move on?” The marriage between the Cowboys and McCarthy has been a rocky one. From ESPN’s Domonique Foxworth: “He’s holding the entire coaching staff hostage.

It’s unfair and unnecessary.” From ESPN’s Andrew Hawkins: “If he doesn’t give keep Mike McCarthy and give him a new contract, we should scorch Earth on this show.” Guys …

You’re already “going scorched Earth” in accusations of “cruel” and “mean” mistreatment of a person who doesn’t feel mistreated. You’re painting Mike McCarthy as a victim when he doesn’t feel victimized. We’re all anxious for a resolution here, one way or another. And we will all get one.

Put down your pitchforks. Untwist your panties. Take a breath.