Where Mike McCarthy could land after Cowboys exit

Where Mike McCarthy could land after Cowboys exit

The NFC apparently is suited for Mike McCarthy.

With McCarthy and the Cowboys breaking up after failed contract talks, the Bears and Saints are expected to have interest in the Super Bowl-winning coach, according to ESPN.

Dallas previously denied the Bears an interview request while McCarthy remained under contract, but he will now be free to do so once his contract expires Tuesday before midnight.

Mike McCarthy is leaving the Cowboys. AP

McCarthy, 61, is a potentially attractive candidate for the five other openings, with the Jets, Jaguars and Raiders joining the Bears and Saints as teams in need of a new leader.

He’s 174-112-2 across 18 seasons with the Packers and Cowboys, having led Green Bay to a championship during the 2010 season.

McCarthy went 49-35 spanning his five seasons with Dallas, but tallied just one playoff win in three tries and oversaw a 7-10 season this past campaign.

The Cowboys lost to the 49ers in the 2022 and ’23 postseasons before flopping against the Packers at home in the playoffs.

This season, Dallas could not overcome injuries to its stars like quarterback Dak Prescott.

Jerry Jones and McCarthy have reportedly met, but not discussed a new deal. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

That the Cowboys declined the Bears request raised speculation about whether McCarthy would return to Dallas, but ESPN reported shortly before the official decision leaked Monday afternoon that the coach had yet to negotiate a contract with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

McCarthy, Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones met “at least” three times last week, per the report, but those discussions focused on what had went wrong, the future and potential changes that included roster and coaching construction, along with offensive strategy.

Those discussions clearly did not push Jones to a point where he felt he had to retain McCarthy and both parties will now have fresh starts.

McCarthy could be headed to the Big Easy or Windy City. Getty Images
Could Caleb Williams be coached by Mike McCarthy in 2025? AP

The Bears’ opening would allow McCarthy to work with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but there are questions about ownership and Chicago’s chances in a suddenly revitalized NFC North.

The Saints have an easier path to the playoffs in the NFC South, but their roster is finally feeling the effects of all the years of pushing back salary hits and lacks a franchise quarterback.

Derek Carr’s season ended due to injury and he has not excelled in his two seasons with the team, while Spencer Rattler did not look ready during his brief time as the starter.

Derek Carr and the Saints are looking for their next coach. Getty Images

The Cowboys’ gig should be attractive since the team is usually in the mix and its a high-profile job, but the roster is rather top-heavy and situated in a tough NFC East.

The Patriots are the only team to fill their opening thus far, hiring former тιтans coach and ex-Super Bowl champion linebacker Mike Vrabel.

Related Posts

‘Bussin with the Boys’ hosts ‘surprised’ Dave Portnoy didn’t know of Patrick Mahomes’ Barstool Sports beef

‘Bussin with the Boys’ hosts ‘surprised’ Dave Portnoy didn’t know of Patrick Mahomes’ Barstool Sports beef

Former NFLers Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, hosts of the popular podcast “Bussin With The Boys,” were shocked to find out that their former boss Dave Portnoy…

Eagles star A.J. Brown says Super Bowl 2025 high has already worn off

Eagles star A.J. Brown says Super Bowl 2025 high has already worn off

A.J. Brown felt the high of being a Super Bowl champion just three days ago. But that feeling of elation already has worn off. In fact, Brown…

Kevin Durant scores 30,000 points — only the 8th player in NBA history to reach milestone

Kevin Durant scores 30,000 points — only the 8th player in NBA history to reach milestone

Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, hitting the mark against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night with a free throw late in…

Buffalo Bills star James Cook makes shock contract demand on Instagram livestream

Buffalo Bills star James Cook makes shock contract demand on Instagram livestream

Running back James Cook named his price for the Buffalo Bills on an Instagram stream. Ahead of his fourth season in the NFL and with the Bills,…

Nets surprisingly remain in play-in race after recent H๏τ streak

Nets surprisingly remain in play-in race after recent H๏τ streak

Instead of battling for the worst record in the NBA, the Nets have a chance to head into the All-Star break fighting for a berth in the…

Cincinnati Bengals release statement after raid on .5m mansion of star quarterback Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals release statement after raid on $7.5m mansion of star quarterback Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals released a statement thanking authorities for their work in handling the burglary of star quarterback Joe Burrow’s mansion in December. On December 9, Burrow’s…