The Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing season is long over.
As we know, Mike McCarthy is a goner and pretty soon a new head coach will be taking over in Big D.
Perhaps better times are ahead for America’s Team, but the fact of the matter is times are very tough in Dallas right now.
For star linebacker Micah Parsons, the conclusion of the year also marked what could be the final chapter for the Cowboys’ 2021 draft class of defensive linemen – himself, Osa Odighizuwa, and Chauncey Golston – playing together.
“That’s the most sad part, and I’m happy that we all got a piece of a sack (in the season finale) because we was like this is our last ride, 2021 D line class,” Parsons said.
“It really been special building that brotherhood and our friendship with them. We got one more trip all together, we’re going to Australia, so it’s not the last of us yet, so it’s going to be fun, it is sad but I’m glad and I appreciate them.
“I hope they get everything they deserve, you should want that for your friends.”
The trio made their potential last game together one to remember, combining for five of Dallas’ six sacks against Washington in the finale.
Odighizuwa capped off a standout season, setting career highs in sacks (4.5), tackles (47), and quarterback hits (23).
Golston also delivered his best season yet, with 5.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits.
With both players set to become free agents, their futures in Dallas are uncertain unless the Cowboys’ front office decides to make significant financial commitments.
Parsons acknowledged the harsh reality of the NFL as a business, particularly during this phase of the season. “We’re at the stage where we say goodbye to players with whom we’ve built lasting relationships,” he said.
While fans and teammates grappling with the potential roster changes, the bond among these players remains strong. For now, they’ll cherish their time on and off the field – even as the uncertain offseason looms.
As Parsons put it, “It’s sad, but we’ve built something special. That’s what matters.”
Parsons also opened up about his feelings on Jerry Jones’ decision to part ways with McCarthy.
“Obviously very sad because of the relationships we had with coach McCarthy and everything he’s done for our program,” Parsons said. “It is devastating. It’s gonna be a complete reset.
“It is devastating. Coach Mike’s a great father, coach, one of the most winningest coaches and he’s always been good to us as a unit to coaches, players. Losing a great coach like Mike hurts but it’s going to be a very interesting offseason.”
Originally hired in January 2020, McCarthy led the Cowboys to three postseason appearances and posted a 49-35 record as head coach.
McCarthy had been coaching on an expiring deal, fueling speculation week after week as to whether he’d return for 2025.
As we all know, Jones and company decided it was best to head in a different direction. We’ll see who ends up taking over as the replacement.
For what it’s worth, Jones expressed his respect and gratitude for McCarthy’s efforts in Dallas.
“I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure,” Jones said. “Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best.”
Parsons, who made controversial comments about McCarthy’s future in November before endorsing the coach’s return, added he has faith in the Cowboys’ front office but recognized the organization is in for a “complete reset.”
“I trust my owner, I trust our GM,” he said. “We’re going to make the right decision when it comes to coaching. We going to wait to see who gets hired, whose going to be our DC [defensive coordinator], our OC [offensive coordinator] cause it’s going to be a complete reset.
“It’s going to be very interesting and then seeing how those guys envision players and who they want to bring in, who they want to keep, who they want to build around.”
On that note, who do you think Jones will end up hiring as the new head coach???
