Former Cowboys coach believes Jerry Jones undecided on Mike McCarthy's fate

Jason Garrett believes Jerry Jones will make his decision on Mike McCarthy based on how the Dallas Cowboys finish the final three games.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

No one understands what Mike McCarthy has gone through this season quite like Jason Garrett. McCarthy entered 2024 without a contract beyond this year, which is the same situation Garrett was in during the 2019 season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Garrett spent 10 years as the head coach in Dallas but failed to find success in the postseason. Jones thought the pressure created from the lack of job security would push Garrett to be better but it resulted in an 8-8 campaign, which was the first losing record he had in four years. He was then fired and Jones replaced him with McCarthy.

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The former Green Bay coach has had more success overall than Garrett but had the same issue in the playoffs (it's almost as if the problem is deeper than the coach). Jones tried the same approach and McCarthy has seen a three-year playoff run and could have his first losing season in four years.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (left) and owner Jerry Jones (right) talk during warm ups before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Jones still doesn't see the common demoninator, which is staring back at him in the mirror. According to Garrett, he also doesn't know what he's going to do in the offseason. While speaking on Sunday Night Football, Garrett said Jones might not have his mind made up and the final record could determine which way he goes.

Jason Garrett on @SNFonNBC on the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching situation: “I don’t think Jerry Jones has made up his mind yet. I think he’s going to evaluate these last three games and make a decision from there. There was an assumption coming into this season that McCarthy’s future…

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024

For much of the year, it seemed a foregone conclusion that McCarthy was on the way out. With the team's turnaround in the second half of the season, the pendulum has swung in his direction.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Players have spoken up for McCarthy and their continued fight on SNF despite being eliminated from the playoffs is proof that he hasn't lost the locker room. Throw in the departure of Bill Belichick from the coaching pool and a new deal doesn't seem unlikely at all.

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