Mike McCarthy’s time with America’s team is over.
The Dallas Cowboys and their head coach of the last six seasons are parting ways, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Monday.
According to Pelissero, the two sides couldn’t agree on the length of a new contract and the coach will become a free agent and pursue new opportunities.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears have an interest in the coach.
McCarthy joined the Cowboys organization in 2020 following a one-year layoff from the NFL. He was previously let go from the Green Bay Packers midway through the 2018-19 season after 13 seasons and a Super Bowl title with the franchise.
The 61-year-old’s contract expired on Jan. 14 and owner Jerry Jones appears ready to change directions after a half-decade partnership. Dallas had an exclusive negotiating window of roughly a week upon the expiration of McCarthy’s deal but opted not to re-sign him.
Following a 6-10 record in his first year at the helm, the veteran head coach led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons, albeit with just one playoff victory to show for it. In 2024-25, Dallas went 7-10 even with injuries to key contributors like quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
McCarthy holds a career win percentage just over 60 per cent and has made the post-season in 12 of his 18 seasons as a head coach. His playoff record is 11-11.
He is now free to interview with other teams without the Cowboys’ permission and can accept a new job at any time.