Prescott wants McCarthy back as Cowboys coach in 2025.
Mike McCarthy’s future as the Dallas Cowboys head coach has been a topic of debate throughout the 2024 season. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and the team struggling with a 5-7 record, speculation about a potential change in leadership has been rampant.
However, quarterback Dak Prescott, sidelined for the rest of the year due to a season-ending hamstring injury, has made it clear where he stands: he wants McCarthy to stay.
Prescott told Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein, “Your coach seems like he’s playing on his last contract and [I’m] almost feeling helpless like I can’t help him in this situation, especially a guy you believe in so much and you believe in being your head coach. Control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can.”
The Cowboys’ 2024 season has been anything but smooth. Injuries have sidelined key players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, and Prescott himself, leaving the team struggling to find consistency.
The lack of significant offseason moves also added to the challenges. Despite the adversity, McCarthy and Prescott have a shared history of success, including three consecutive 12-5 seasons from 2021 to 2023, though postseason results fell short with a combined 1-3 record.
Prescott remains steadfast in his support, emphasizing McCarthy’s leadership and ability to guide the team. “I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott said. “I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it.”
Here’s where things get spicy. Jerry Jones, the man who holds McCarthy’s future in his hands, isn’t exactly shutting the door on him returning. Earlier this season, Jones publicly criticized the team’s offensive schemes, fueling rumors that McCarthy was done.
But last week, he flipped the script, saying it’s “not crazy” to imagine Mike McCarthy sticking around.
So, what does it all mean? If Dallas somehow claws its way back into playoff contention—or even just finishes strong—Jerry might actually consider giving McCarthy an extension.
And let’s not overlook Dak’s voice in all this. He’s not just the team’s quarterback; he’s their $240 million man. When your franchise player vouches this hard for a coach, it’s not something you ignore.
If McCarthy goes, so does his offensive system, which means Dak would have to learn a whole new playbook with a new head coach and offensive coordinator. That’s a lot of change for a team trying to win now. Dak’s been through enough upheaval already, from a gruesome ankle injury in 2020 to his season-ending hamstring surgery. The last thing he wants is more instability.
Furthermore, Prescott’s vocal support for Mike McCarthy is significant, given his status as the team’s franchise quarterback. After signing a record-breaking four-year, $240 million extension earlier this year, Prescott’s opinion holds considerable sway.
For Dak, this is personal. Watching from the sideline with a brace on his leg, he’s doing everything he can to support Mike McCarthy. Together, they’ve weathered the highs and lows, including last season’s brutal wild-card loss to Green Bay. However, the shadow of the Cowboys’ 1995 Super Bowl win still looms large, and the fan base’s demand for a championship remains a pressure point.
The Cowboys are 5-7, and while there’s hope for a playoff push, the margin for error is razor-thin. The schedule isn’t exactly forgiving either, with games against the Bengals, Eagles, and Buccaneers still to come. If McCarthy can steer this ship into playoff waters—or even close to it—it could be enough to save his job.
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