DALLAS Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed his thoughts on the team’s head coaching vacancy after news broke on Monday that Mike McCarthy wouldn’t return as the head coach.
Jones and McCarthy couldn’t agree on a new contract, and the veteran coach will be a free agent on Tuesday.
2
2
In a statement, the 82-year-old Jones spoke about the Cowboys-McCarthy breakup.
“Throughout Mike McCarthy‘s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done,” Jones said.
“That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike’s qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being.
“I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.”
Jones then explained that a “joint review” led to the ultimate decision that it was time for both sides to move on.
“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,” Jones added.
“I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best.
“They have been a wonderful part of our community here.”
McCarthy coached Dallas for five years, leading the squad to three straight 12-win seasons before his tenure came to an end after a 7-10 campaign.
Jones shared that the Cowboys’ search for their next head coach will begin.
“We will commence a search process immediately to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys,” said Jones.
It’s not clear what Dallas will be looking for in a new head coach.
However, the Cowboys’ process to wait a week to move on from McCarthy has led the team to miss the window to request interviews with coaching candidates on a bye such as Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Dallas can only to talk them until the Lions’ season ends.
As for McCarthy, he will be a candidate for the head coaching jobs with the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
Chicago made an official request to speak with McCarthy last week but was denied by the Cowboys.
Dallas will look for a coach who can be the first in 30 years to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl.
