After much speculation and uncertainty following the Dallas Cowboys' disappointing playoffs exit, head coach Mike McCarthy has been confirmed to return for a fifth season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced the decision on Wednesday evening after meeting with McCarthy, putting an end to three days of rumors surrounding the coach's future.
"There is great benefit to continuing the team's progress under Mike's leadership as our head coach."
Jerry Jones, Owner of the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' offense, which led the league in scoring during the regular season, underperformed against Green Bay, raising concerns about McCarthy's ability to adapt in crucial games.
Despite the Cowboys' 32-48 wild card loss to Green Bay, which raised questions about McCarthy's tenure, Jones believes the team is "very close" to achieving their ultimate goals, believing that keeping McCarthy is the best step forward for the team.
Jones further mentioned that while the team is disappointed with Sunday’s loss, the accountability should not be shifted to McCarthy alone.
"Our loss on Sunday is shared by everyone here, not just Coach McCarthy. Our players. Our coaches. Our front office. Myself. There is accountability for our results," Jones said.
Cowboys' history with McCarthy
The Cowboys' offense has been prolific under McCarthy, averaging 29.9 points per game during the regular season. In his four seasons with Dallas, McCarthy has racked up a record of 42-25, leading the team to three consecutive 12-win regular seasons and two NFC East titles.
However, their recent postseason record is less impressive, with their last conference championship appearance coming in 1995, during which season they also won the Super Bowl. This means that Dallas has not managed to go past the divisional round for almost 20 years.
Since joining the Cowboys in 2020, McCarthy has led the team to three straight postseason appearances but only one win. In terms of playoff history, the Cowboys have made 36 total appearances and five Super Bowl wins.
Their struggles in the postseason have continued, with McCarthy criticized for playcalling in big games, particularly in third-down situations and red zone offense. The team has struggled to find consistency on offense in the postseason, with key drops, penalties, and missed opportunities hindering their efforts
However, Jones seemed to disagree, praising McCarthy for allowing the team to show a good success rate in the playoffs. “Mike's career has demonstrated postseason success at a high level, and we have great confidence that can continue,” he said.
With McCarthy returning, the focus will need to shift to the offseason appearances, with key decisions needed regarding the roster, including the future of quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive star Micah Parsons.
Dallas’ plans for the future
Amidst the multiple offers received by Dan Quinn, the team's defensive coordinator, for head coaching positions and McCarthy assuming offensive coordinator duties in 2023, Dallas is on the brink of significant changes in both roster and staff.
Jones is preparing for a review as the team faces potential shifts in its coaching staff and strategic lineup.
"We will start our process of review and decision making regarding everything that impacts our team and roster and, while we're not going to address specific players and extensions or free agents at this point, it deserves our deepest review and consideration, and it will get it," he said.
McCarthy's legacy with the Cowboys is still up in the air, with differing opinions on his coaching success. With one year remaining on his contract and the team's future at quarterback uncertain, McCarthy will have to prove himself in the 2024 season to secure his place in Cowboys history.