Is Mike McCarthy already a lame-duck head coach before the 2024 league year even begins? The Dallas Cowboys’ recent playoff collapse has raised questions about McCarthy’s future with the team. Despite receiving a vote of confidence from team owner Jerry Jones, new comments about free-agent coach Bill Belichick have sparked speculation about McCarthy’s job security.
Following the Cowboys’ disappointing playoff exit, Jones publicly stated that McCarthy would return as head coach in 2024. However, when asked about his personal thoughts on Belichick, Jones expressed admiration and suggested that he could work well with the legendary coach. This has led to speculation that Jones may be considering Belichick as a potential replacement for McCarthy.
Belichick, who is currently a free agent head coach, did not secure any job offers this offseason. He only interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, who ultimately hired Raheem Morris as their head coach. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Belichick’s current thinking is that it is better to have no job than to accept one that is not the right fit. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Belichick is willing to sit out the 2024 season and explore opportunities in the following year.
McCarthy, on the other hand, has one year remaining on his contract with the Cowboys. In January, Jones expressed confidence in McCarthy and stated that sticking with him would be the team’s best step forward. Despite having the highest win percentage of any coach in Cowboys history, McCarthy has struggled in the postseason, with a 1-3 record despite three consecutive 12-5 seasons.
The potential pairing of Belichick and Jones raises questions about how they would work together. Jones has maintained control over the team’s roster since acquiring the Cowboys in 1989, while Belichick has insisted on having a general manager title in previous coaching hires. It remains to be seen how they would navigate this potential partnership. In the meantime, McCarthy will have to hope for a turnaround to secure his future with the team.
As the 2024 league year approaches, the speculation surrounding McCarthy’s future as the Cowboys’ head coach will likely continue. Only time will tell if he can prove himself and secure a long-term position with the team, or if Jones will ultimately turn to Belichick as a potential replacement.
