The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday afternoon that they are parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy following a lackluster 7-10 season.
The decision, which came over a week after the team’s final game, left many surprised.
While McCarthy had been sitting firmly on the hot seat for a while, there was a feeling that Jerry Jones was leaning towards keeping him.
Adding to the intrigue, the Cowboys had recently blocked McCarthy from interviewing for the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy.
This led many to believe the veteran coach, whose contract was set to expire, would return to Dallas on a new deal. However, the Cowboys have now pivoted to finding new leadership.
Cowboys legend Troy Aikman shared his reaction to the news during ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown ahead of the Rams-Vikings game.
“Well I thought Mike McCarthy would be the head coach,” Aikman said. “So this is a bit of a surprise to me today that he’s not going to be… It suggests that there’s not a real plan in the fact that they haven’t had the opportunity to interview maybe a Ben Johnson or some of these others – Aaron Glenn.
“I think that what [Adam] Schefter said as far as Kellen Moore being a candidate, that seems logical to me. A guy who has familiarity with the building, he’s worked – obviously – with the Cowboys and with Jerry Jones and they know each other well.”
Notably, Aikman also expressed skepticism about the desirability of the position.
“It’s hard to imagine as far as a ‘coveted job’ – I don’t know that that’s accurate,” Aikman said. “I do think the Cowboys are obviously a high-profile team. Whoever is head coach of that team is certainly going to draw a lot of attention, but I think most football people that take over as as head coach, they want to do it on their terms.”
The three-time Super Bowl champion closed with a pointed reflection: “I love the Dallas Cowboys. I played there for 12 years, I wish them well, but to say that it’s a ‘coveted job,’ I’m not sure I would necessarily agree with that.”
McCarthy departs Dallas with a 49-35 record across five seasons, including two NFC East titles and three playoff appearances.
His tenure, however, was marred by inconsistent performances and unmet expectations for a franchise perpetually seeking a return to its former glory.
The Cowboys now face the challenge of finding their next head coach, who will be the 10th in franchise history.
What are your thoughts on Dallas’ decision to move on from McCarthy?
Who do you think Jones will hire as the next head coach???
