GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is out as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys after his contract expired.
ESPN was first to report the news. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the two sides never engaged to discuss a new deal, and McCarthy is now set to become a free agent.
Mike McCarthy is not expected to return to Dallas and is now set to become a free agent, per source. The two sides engaged in no discussions about a new deal, and McCarthy is expected to be a candidate in Chicago and New Orleans. https://t.co/8YpUIXqdtw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2025
Right now, the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are the top candidates to land the former Packers head coach.
The Cowboys have since officially announced their decision to mutually part ways with McCarthy.
"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done," Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement. "Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."
Thank you, Coach McCarthy#DallasCowboys | 📰 https://t.co/lZcM1wJESO pic.twitter.com/FKAHQ2MFWB
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 13, 2025
McCarthy spent five seasons as the Cowboys' head coach, leading them to a 49-35 record in the regular season, but only had a 1-3 record in the playoffs. This included a Wild Card loss to the Packers following the 2023 season.
McCarthy took as over the Packers' head coach in 2006, and coached in Green Bay for 13 seasons. He led the team to a victory in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Packers fired McCarthy in 2018. He went 125-77-2 in the regular season, and 10-8 in the playoffs with Green Bay.
