Mike McCarthy won't return as Cowboys' coach in 2025 - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Mike McCarthy will not return as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach in 2025, Jerry Jones announced Monday.

McCarthy's contract with the Cowboys expired last Wednesday but the team held an exclusive negotiating window with the coach until Tuesday at midnight.

«Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover,» Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, 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. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.»

Mike McCarthy had the fourth-best winning percentage in Cowboys history. Eight of nine coaches in Cowboys history have finished with winning records.

Jones added that the Cowboys will begin the search for the Cowboys' next head coach immediately.

The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are expected to be interested in speaking with McCarthy regarding their vacancies, sources told Schefter. Last week, the Bears had an official request for permission to speak with McCarthy denied by the Cowboys.

Coming off a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024, Jones will look to make the ninth head coaching hire of his tenure as owner and general manager.

McCarthy had a 49-35 record in his five seasons as coach, but he won just one playoff game while suffering devastating home losses in the wild-card round to the San