Jerry Jones opens door wider for Mike McCarthy, Mike Zimmer return

Jerry Jones hinted that Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer still have a future with the Dallas Cowboys.

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

Jerry Jones made his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan and as expected, he was asked about the job security for Mike McCarthy. The Dallas Cowboys have turned a corner over the past month, giving McCarthy a better chance of returning in 2025.

There’s still a chance Jones decides to move on, and if so, that leaves Mike Zimmer in a weird spot. Now in his second stint as defensive coordinator, Zimmer’s defense is starting to show signs of life. That led to Jones being asked if Zimmer’s return is contingent on McCarthy’s.

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Jones said the two are connected “in a way,” before opening the door wider for a return. The owner/general manager praised the work both coaches have done, adding that “maybe the best is still ahead of us.”

Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on if Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer are tied together:

“In a way, I do. I think you’re beginning to see some of the best [of Mike Zimmer] but maybe the best is still ahead of us.”

“Mike [McCarthy] has shown that his team can…

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) December 17, 2024

With Dallas unlikely to make the postseason, that line suggests Jones believes the two can have success in future years.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dallas has won three of their past four games, which has led to a strong belief McCarthy will return. While he’s not a perfect coach, that would make sense considering how hard the team has played for him despite their numerous injuries to star players.

Zimmer also deserves a season with a healthy defense. He’s proven when he has his best players that he can slow down any offense, but injuries have been a major problem.

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