“There’s a great deal of chatter about who might be coaching the team next year, as Mike McCarthy is not signed for 2025.” Dan Graziano of ESPN says. This revelation underscores the precarious position McCarthy finds himself in, with his contract nearing its conclusion and no renewal in sight.

Once viewed as a playoff contender, the Cowboys have grappled with a series of setbacks this season, most notably the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury. This significant blow has all but dashed their playoff hopes and catalyzed introspection within the organization about the team’s direction and leadership.

Cowboys will miss playoffs in 2024

Graziano further explains the internal discussions, noting that “the Cowboys are coming to grips with the fact that their 2024 roster wasn’t what they thought it was.” This acknowledgment signals a possible shift in strategy, focusing on rebuilding and reevaluating their roster composition, coaching staff, and overall team strategy.

The prospect of McCarthy not returning for the next season does not come as a surprise to those closely following the team’s dynamics. Jerry Jones, the team’s outspoken owner, has a history of making decisive changes when the team’s performance does not meet expectations. However, Jones has stated he will not change coaches during the season, which means McCarthy will likely finish out his contract.

The conversation in Dallas is not just about when McCarthy will leave, but also about who will succeed him. The implications of a coaching change are profound, affecting everything from team morale to recruitment strategies and the development of players, especially underperforming stars like Prescott.

As the season progresses, the Cowboys’ leadership will need to carefully consider their next steps. The decision about McCarthy’s future will be pivotal in shaping the team’s path forward and could mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. As the 2024 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Jerry Jones and his management team to see how they navigate these turbulent waters and set the course for a hopefully brighter future.