The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McMarthy are getting ready to begin talks of a new contract.
Dallas owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy are open to continuing their partnership. Both sides are expected to start talks today on a new deal to keep him with the Cowboys.
These discussions are happening after several days of talking about the 2024 season and future.
McCarthy’s contract will expire on Tuesday, giving the Cowboys a sole negotiation window before he becomes a free agent.
Almost all of the team’s assistant coaches will have their contracts expire this week. This makes the talk between Jones and McCarthy an urgent one.
During Dallas’ five-game skid in the middle of the year, which featured shameful defeats to the Lions, Eagles, and the Texans, it seemed certain that the Cowboys would drop McCarthy after the season. However, the team powered through to win four of their last seven matches.
Even Jones spoke well of McCarthy’s work and how his staff navigated their challenges. He also spoke about the team losing Dak Prescott.
Several players supported McCarthy to return during and after the season, including Prescott and Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys’ 7-10 record in 2024 followed three straight 12-5 finishes from 2021-23, making it the second season they missed playoffs under McCarthy.
Entering this year, the big question for the team is whether McCarthy could lead them past their constant playoff failures. The early-season slump and third-place finish in the NFC East ensured that question would not be answered this year. Jones and Mike discussing will decide whether the coach will get another chance to take away those struggles.
If those negotiations fall through and McCarthy becomes a free agent, he would get interest from several clubs who are hiring. The Chicago Bears already asked to interview him, a request the Cowboys refused.
