The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season came to a disappointing end with a Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders, leaving the franchise at a crossroads. Following the game, team owner Jerry Jones addressed the burning question surrounding head coach Mike McCarthy’s future, delivering both praise and ambiguity.
Jones’ Praise for McCarthy
Despite a 7-10 finish and a slew of on-field struggles, Jones was adamant in defending McCarthy’s credentials.
“He’s one of the top coaches in the game, and he did nothing to diminish my opinion of him as a coach this year,” Jones said postgame.
Jones highlighted McCarthy’s ability to rally the team late in the season. The Cowboys started 3-7 before closing the year with four wins in their final seven games. Jones also commended McCarthy’s rapport with the players, suggesting that his leadership helped stabilize the locker room amid a tumultuous season.
Lingering Questions
While Jones’ comments suggest respect for McCarthy, he stopped short of committing to him for the 2025 season.
The Cowboys’ 2-7 home record, combined with questionable in-game decisions and a failure to meet expectations, has put McCarthy’s tenure under scrutiny. Jones, who has been criticized for his own offseason decisions, may still use McCarthy as a scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings.
What’s Next?
Jones has a history of delivering praise before making bold moves, so McCarthy’s future remains uncertain. Should Jones decide to part ways with McCarthy, there will be no shortage of speculation about potential replacements. Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, remains a strong internal candidate, while external names like Jim Harbaugh or Mike Vrabel could enter the conversation.
For now, Cowboys fans will have to wait and see if Jones’ praise is genuine or a prelude to change. One thing is certain: the Cowboys’ failure to live up to expectations will force Jones to evaluate every aspect of the organization this offseason.
