The gauntlet has been set. On Wednesday, new Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stood in front of the media at one of the highest-profile coaching discussions of the scouting combine. Most coaches and GMs staggered through eight different podiums throughout the day Tuesday, but McCarthy, Ron Rivera and Mike Zimmer took to Podium 1 on Wednesday, with no other distractions.
McCarthy did well in his second media session since being hired, laying out the foundation of the direction he’s pointed the team towards since taking over almost two months ago. He talked about the importance of getting a Dak Prescott deal done without placing blame on either the player or the front office. He spoke of his desire to bring back Amari Cooper and Randall Cobb, both free agents. He spoke of the importance of improving the defense, seeming giddy to have a real chance at developing the roster, which he didn’t in Green Bay. He spoke as a man in charge.
And just over 24 hours later, he was presented with his first major challenge as head coach; overcoming Jerry Jones’ incessant need to be in charge.
Jones held his own media session on Wednesday afternoon. From his megabus, he held court with the media, providing what will be the quote of the combine, that he thinks about Dez Bryant’s possible return to the Cowboys while taking showers.
Jerry Jones has not talked to Dez Bryant directly, but “I have been thinking about it a lot in the shower.”
“It should not be dismissed. I’m thinking about it.”
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) February 27, 2020
There is a legitimate conversation that can be had on whether or not Bryant could fit in what the Cowboys are going to be under McCarthy. However, tight end Jason Witten has seemingly had the door shut on a return by the coach. It wasn’t outright said, but after meeting with the head coach to discuss his plans, Witten admitted that he may have to shop his talent elsewhere in order to suit up in 2020. The words of support McCarthy has had on bringing back other free agents such as Prescott, Cooper and Cobb were never extended to Witten.
The writing was on the wall that Witten likely played his final game with the Cowboys.
Until Thursday.
Jones, who Witten says he’s been in constant contact with since the offseason began, lobbied for a Witten return.
Jerry Jones wants Jason Witten back: “I would hope that he would not ever be anything but a Cowboy. I do think he can play. I think he can make a real contribution to the Cowboys.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 27, 2020
Now, the true test has been laid out in front of McCarthy. One of the most well documented downsides to being the coach of the Cowboys is the power structure. In most organizations, the ownership group isn’t involved in day-to-day operations and roster composition is left to the coaching staff and the general manager. With Dallas, the owner is the general manager and is heavily involved, often times to the detriment of the head coach being viewed by the players as the authority on all matters.
Jones’ public support for one of his favorite players of all time places McCarthy in a precarious position.
Make no mistake, Jones could have easily said something along the lines of Witten being a great asset for 16 seasons, but the decision on all roster spots ultimately comes down to the coaching staff. Anything along those lines would’ve been appropriate.
Now, McCarthy has his first real test. Witten returning isn’t what’s best for the Cowboys on-field product, but the owner of the most valuable franchise in all of sports has spoken. These are the difficult situations the always-talkative Jones puts his staff in, religiously over the last 30 years.
Barely two press conferences into his tenure, McCarthy just received his first notice of how things will be in Dallas.
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