After days of speculation, Mike McCarthy returns to the Dallas Cowboys as the Head Coach for the 2024 season. His future was questioned after the team’s embarrassment against the Green Bay Packers. However, he returns to his fifth and final year of his contract, barring any extension that may come. Jones released a statement and said that they are closer to achieving their goal with McCarthy.
Mike McCarthy’s return only means what will happen next to their defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn. He’s set to interview with several teams in the league for their head coaching vacancies. The NFL world had the chance to react to the news of Mike McCarthy’s return, and it didn’t bode well with most. McCarthy has yet to lead the Cowboys to an NFC Championship and only made it so far in the divisional round.
Many Cowboys players are relieved that their coach is returning to the team. Some find it interesting that he’s returning after the upset loss with high expectations to seize everything. It’s something to watch as if Dallas will anticipate extending his contract after the 2023 season. The goal of replacing Jason Garret in 2020 was to get over the playoff slump.
It seems like they are still in that slump, but it’s happening in the first or second round. So what are on the minds of the Dallas Cowboys?
This just in: Dallas is not making a head-coaching change and Cowboys’ HC Mike McCarthy is returning for the 2024 season, per sources. pic.twitter.com/GHMJuqdxaT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2024
Mike McCarthy Returns: Another Opportunity to Seize Everything
The Dallas Cowboys Seemingly Still Trust McCarthy
While Cowboys fans have checked out, the question that still floats is what Dallas still sees in McCarthy. It seems like they are playing it safe to focus on extending many of their players this offseason. 16 players are entering the free agency like Tony Pollard, Stephon Gilmore, Tyron Smith and Jonathan Hankins. It would be smart for their focus to be on that, but the time may be ticking for the success of this team.
If something doesn’t happen in the next few years, it will likely be a dumpster fire that the team will continue to anticipate. However, Jerry Jones seems to not be trigger-happy at the moment. This shut down Bill Belichick’s rumors of him coming to Dallas after fans were expecting that to happen. Loyalty and optimism are key in this decision as Jones always loves to give second chances for change.
The loss to McCarthy’s former team was still an insult to injury as many Cowboys fans are still upset. This news will only unpack a lot more emotions. It’s wonder if Jones is waiting for McCarthy to continue building talent while it’s not touching the ceiling. There are so many questions left unanswered like if there was a better candidate for this team to reach out.
Expectations for Mike McCarthy’s Return for 2024
It won’t be an easy season for Cowboys fans to bear for what’s to come for the team. However, in a positive light, McCarthy does have only one year left on his contract. It’s ultimately up to Jones to make that decision though in if he wants to extend McCarthy. Many would view this as a nightmare as it seems like the Dallas Cowboys are always let down after immense potential.
Dallas did have all the answers and weapons healthy for the playoffs this year, but that only lasted so long. The Cowboys front office seems to be settling for good rather than great. To some Cowboys fans, that seems unacceptable and they will try to bear for what’s to come. All these factors should land McCarthy’s return in the hot seat for the 2024 season if nothing changes.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
