Following the Cowboys’ upset loss to Green Bay in the opening round of the postseason, it’s safe to say some uncomfortable conversations were had behind closed doors at The Star in Frisco.
Players, coaches and team philosophy were all likely questioned. Fan outrage demanded a pound of flesh, but after moderate deliberation, it was determined there would be no flash and the Cowboys were going to run it back in 2024.
Head coach Mike McCarthy would remain at the helm. And most of his staff is likely to stay in place as well. But just because Jerry Jones was honoring the terms of his original contract did not mean he was recommitting with a shiny new deal. It seems as if the Magic 8 Ball in Jones’ top drawer gave him the old, “ask again later” response.
Mike McCarthy is not expected to receive any sort of extension from the Dallas Cowboys and will coach the 2024 season on an expiring contract, per sources.https://t.co/ZuMnR1vPVh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2024
McCarthy will coach on an expiring deal in 2024. If he meets expectations, he could get a new contract in Dallas or even somewhere else. If he falls short again, he rides off into the sunset, having fulfilled the entire length of his contract and receiving neither extension nor pink slip from Jones.
The carrot or stick approach is nothing new for Jones. He made Jason Garrett coach twice on an expiring deal as head coach. One time it worked and the other time it didn’t. Some coaches respond well to uncomfortable situations such as this; others do not. Which way McCarthy responds is anyone’s guess. It’s not like he has a choice in the matter.