Mike McCarthy isn’t looking for a new job right away. 

The ex-Cowboys coach won’t be searching for a new head coaching gig until the 2026 hiring cycle, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday night. 

He is expected to be “a strong candidate a year from now,” according to the report. 

McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys came to an end earlier this month after five seasons with an overall 49-35 record.

He led the Cowboys to playoff appearances in 2021, 2022 and 2023, but only had one playoff win in that span. 

McCarthy had been linked to several coaching vacancies following his departure from Dallas and interviewed with the Bears for their opening. 

In the end, the Bears opted to go with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the job. 

McCarthy, 61, was also believed to be linked to the Saints coaching job. 

The Saints are the only team remaining in search of a head coach. 

The decision to take himself off the job market seemed to be a bit of a blow for New Orleans in their search for a new coach, according to NOLA.com. 

The outlet described McCarthy as one of the favorites to land the job. 

McCarthy was the Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2000-04. 

NOLA.com reported that McCarthy was supposed to interview for the Saints head coaching gig last week but had to be delayed after a snowstorm that hit the area.