Following what was arguably the most disappointing loss in Dallas Cowboys history, most people thought Mike McCarthy would surely be fired.
Cowboys fans were already having dreams of Bill Belichick marching up and down their sidelines wearing a sleeveless Dallas hoodie.
However, owner Jerry Jones shockingly decided to keep McCarthy – news which upset the vast majority of his fan base.
NFL teams watching the Cowboys keep Mike McCarthy pic.twitter.com/Y3w1Q90UvB
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 18, 2024
“I believe that the direction, the leadership, everything is in place,” McCarthy said after the decision was announced. “I came to Dallas to win a world championship, and that’s why I’m standing here … Buy into us.”
McCarthy has had solid success in the regular season … But everyone knows very well how things have gone in the postseason, which is ultimately all that matters.
The Cowboys keep Mike McCarthy. What do you make of Jerry Jones’ decision? pic.twitter.com/devGVsPmv6
— PTI (@PTI) January 18, 2024
In a three-hour meeting between Jones and McCarthy, discussions covered various aspects, including the recent playoff defeat, the players, and the future direction of the Cowboys.
McCarthy revealed he was not concerned about the security of his job during the meeting. (He should have been.)
Here's what retaining Mike McCarthy says about Jerry Jones, according to @getnickwright:
"I no longer believe Jerry Jones' #1 goal is winning the Super Bowl. I believe Jerry Jones would like to win a Super Bowl, but I believe his #1 goal is to be the face, the voice, and have… pic.twitter.com/bMSck4TQxg
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) January 18, 2024
“I’ll be honest with you: The only thing I worry about is my family,” McCarthy affirmed. “I’m extremely confident in who I am. I’m confident in what we’ve done here and where we’re going. The job’s not finished yet,” he said.
It’s a longgggggg ways from finished, Mike.
Dallas Cowboy fans when they heard Mike McCarthy will be back next season pic.twitter.com/gDJATdXqx8
— Armel (@Armelgeddon) January 18, 2024
McCarthy has accumulated a 42-25 regular-season record during his tenure with the Cowboys, winning the NFC East twice in the last three years.
However, he is judged by how he and the team performs in the postseason – a fact he knows well.
“We have work to do … The job is not finished. We know that,” he said.
NFL teams after hearing the Cowboys will keep Mike McCarthy pic.twitter.com/bL3Nhq44km
— NFL Memes (@NFLMemesDaily) January 18, 2024
Jones have a lot to sort out this offseason. At the top of the list will be figuring out what the long-term plans are with Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb.
As far as Prescott is concerned, you can count McCarthy as a firm believer in his quarterback…
“I believe in Dak Prescott. I think he’s clearly the answer,” he said. “As difficult as this time is right now, we’ll continue to build off of what he brings to the table.”
Nick Sirianni and Mike McCarthy finding out they both kept their jobs pic.twitter.com/FFri6A0otO
— Birds vs Boys Pod (@BirdsVsBoysPod) January 18, 2024
While defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is currently exploring head-coaching opportunities, McCarthy hinted at potential changes to the coaching staff, with wide receivers coach Robert Prince being the only position coach not under contract for 2024.
“We have established a championship program. It’s just not a world championship yet … I know how to win. We will get over that threshold,” McCarthy concluded
My Cowboys fan co-worker’s reaction to Mike McCarthy staying on as head coach pic.twitter.com/XR50nssOmD
— Josh Sweat Enthusiast (@JoshSweatStan) January 18, 2024
What are your thoughts on Jones’ decision to keep McCarthy?
Considering that Belichick (and other great options) are available, will sticking with McCarthy go down as one of the biggest mistakes in Cowboys history???
Jimmy Johnson built a championship team with a championship mentality.
(Watch 👇)Mike McCarthy on the other hand has a championship caliber talent but a 1st round exit mentality. #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/wwgYmWWo62
— 5park (@5park_) January 18, 2024