As Mike McCarthy prepares to head back out for interviews, several teams are already expected to come in with strong interest.
The Cowboys plan to officially let McCarthy's contract expire at midnight on Tuesday after the two teams reportedly failed to reach an agreement that would bring the 61-year-old back to Dallas after his fifth season.
McCarthy will leave with a 49-35 regular season record; His .583 winning percentage ranks fourth among nine head coaches in franchise history, behind Barry Switzer, Wade Phillips and Tom Landry. But in a total of four playoff games, McCarthy's teams only went 1-3.
Still, the 12th-best head coach in NFL history is expected to draw interest from several of the five other teams currently in need of a head coach. (The New England Patriots finalized their Mike Vrabel contract over the weekend.)
Of the teams that could compete for McCarthy, several will be on the Cowboys' 2025 schedule.
September 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after turning the ball over on downs against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Chicago is considered by many to be the most likely – and perhaps most attractive – destination for McCarthy. The Bears asked the Cowboys for permission to talk to Jones last week while Jerry Jones still had his negotiating rights. Dallas rejected this request. McCarthy is said to have genuine interest in the Bears and their promising young quarterback Caleb Williams, and after his long tenure in Green Bay, he is obviously well-versed in the emerging NFC North.
To add to the potential intrigue, the Cowboys will face the Bears in 2025.
September 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Saints are also expected to approach McCarthy, who served as the team's offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004 and led New Orleans to its first-ever postseason victory under current GM Mickey Loomis. The Saints admittedly have a brutal salary cap situation and a rebuild of sorts ahead of them, but they have the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft and even six of the top-150 picks.
Dallas and New Orleans will not play each other in the 2025 regular season.
September 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball against New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Reports out of New York indicate that the Jets will not pursue McCarthy. According to SNY's Connor HughesIn 2019, the team “did a lot of research on him and wasn't thrilled with what came out.” The Jets already have a roster of at least 16 candidates You have either conducted an interview, arranged to speak with him or asked for permission to speak.
The Cowboys will be the away opponents of the Jets in 2025, with an inward bias London would be a possibility.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 17: Buddy Johnson #57 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to tackle Michael Mayer #87 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Raiders are also looking for a new coach, and there is a notable connection here. Minority owner Tom Brady will reportedly play an active role in selecting the team's next head coach and previously raved about McCarthy and his extensive experience. Additionally, McCarthy's new agent, Don Yee, also represented Brady during his career. Las Vegas has the sixth pick in the draft and a roster full of holes.
The Raiders will host the Cowboys sometime in 2025.
Dec 11, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) passes to running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars are (as of now) the last team with an open head coach. Jacksonville was a divisional round playoff team just two seasons ago; Of all the clubs currently looking for coaches, they are the most likely to compete. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. could be the cornerstones of rebuilding a top-notch offense, and they have nine draft picks available to them this spring.
Dallas and Jacksonville will not meet next season.