Cowboys news: Dallas and Mike McCarthy start negotiating a new deal

Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy Begin Negotiations for a New Deal: What’s Next for the Team?

As the NFL season progresses, one of the most significant topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys is the future of their head coach, Mike McCarthy. After an eventful 2024 season and with the team’s playoff ambitions in mind, Dallas and McCarthy have reportedly entered discussions to extend his contract. While McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys has seen both highs and lows, the future of the Cowboys franchise may hinge on the details of these ongoing negotiations. Let’s dive into the current situation, what McCarthy’s contract could look like, and what this means for the Cowboys.

A Brief Look at Mike McCarthy’s Time with the Cowboys

Mike McCarthy took over as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, succeeding Jason Garrett, who had been with the team for nearly a decade. McCarthy came to Dallas with a wealth of experience, including a Super Bowl victory with the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 season, making him an attractive candidate for owner Jerry Jones.

In his first season, the Cowboys underperformed, finishing with a 6-10 record. However, McCarthy’s second season in 2021 showed more promise. Dallas won the NFC East with a 12-5 record, though they were eliminated in the wild card round of the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers. In 2022, the Cowboys reached the divisional round but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the San Francisco 49ers, in a close contest.

2024 saw McCarthy’s Cowboys come even closer to success, as they finished with a solid 13-4 record and made it to the NFC Championship game, where they faced fierce competition from some of the league’s best teams. Although McCarthy’s Cowboys fell short of reaching the Super Bowl, his leadership has helped transform the team into perennial contenders in the NFC.

The Current Contract Situation

Mike McCarthy’s current contract runs through the 2025 season. However, with his team consistently improving under his leadership and showing a promising future, both McCarthy and the Cowboys are now looking toward a potential extension. The timing of these negotiations is critical as Dallas looks to build on its strong foundation and continue competing at a high level in the NFC.

Reports indicate that McCarthy is seeking a deal that reflects his accomplishments with the team, his role in developing the Cowboys’ offense and defense, and his ability to elevate the team to deeper playoff runs. On the other hand, Jerry Jones, known for his meticulous approach to team building, may want to ensure McCarthy’s performance is consistent before making a long-term commitment.

This negotiation is particularly important because McCarthy’s tenure, while largely positive, has also been marked by questions regarding playoff performance. Although the Cowboys have made the playoffs in all but one season under McCarthy, there has been lingering frustration about their inability to advance beyond the divisional round or to reach the Super Bowl during his time with the team.

What Is McCarthy Worth to the Cowboys?

The central question of these contract negotiations is what McCarthy’s value is to the Dallas Cowboys. The head coach has shown that he can lead a talented team, but the team’s ultimate success or failure will likely weigh heavily on the negotiations.

From a financial standpoint, McCarthy’s current deal is worth about $5 million per year, which is on the lower end compared to other NFL head coaches. This may be an area where McCarthy seeks an increase, especially given his success in leading a top-tier team in the NFC. For comparison, coaches like Sean McVay, Bill Belichick, and Andy Reid make upwards of $10 million annually, which could provide a point of negotiation for McCarthy.

Additionally, McCarthy’s relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott has evolved into one of the central dynamics in the team’s success. Prescott has blossomed under McCarthy’s tutelage, and his leadership has been integral in guiding the Cowboys to sustained success. McCarthy’s ability to manage a high-profile quarterback could be another factor driving his value in the negotiations.

However, McCarthy’s contract could also hinge on future roster decisions. With significant personnel moves potentially on the horizon—especially in terms of free agency, the draft, and team development—McCarthy’s deal could come with more control over player acquisitions and roster decisions. If Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office view McCarthy as the right coach to build the team for sustained success, McCarthy may be given a degree of autonomy in shaping the roster for the long-term.

The Key Factors in Negotiations

Several factors are likely to play a crucial role in the discussions between McCarthy and the Cowboys’ front office.

Playoff Success and Super Bowl Ambitions
The primary driver of these negotiations will be McCarthy’s playoff performance. While the Cowboys have had regular-season success under McCarthy, the postseason results have left much to be desired. A Super Bowl appearance—or even a trip to the NFC Championship game—would be a strong argument in McCarthy’s favor during these talks.
Dak Prescott’s Development
A significant reason why McCarthy has seen success in Dallas is his ability to develop Dak Prescott. The quarterback has made impressive strides under McCarthy’s system, and his performance in the 2024 season is a testament to the strong quarterback-coach relationship. Should McCarthy and Prescott continue their strong connection in the coming seasons, McCarthy could be poised for a more lucrative deal.
Team Continuity and Success
The Cowboys have managed to assemble a talented roster with key players like CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Trevon Diggs. McCarthy’s ability to work with the front office and maintain continuity while developing these players is crucial for the long-term success of the franchise. If the Cowboys continue to be competitive year after year, McCarthy could be rewarded with a significant contract extension.
Jerry Jones’ Influence
Finally, one of the most influential factors in the negotiations will be Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager. Jones has historically shown patience with coaches who he believes can bring sustained success to the team. He has also been known to make bold decisions in the best interest of the franchise. If Jones feels that McCarthy is the right coach to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, he may be willing to give McCarthy a substantial contract extension.

Potential Terms of a New Deal

While specifics are still unclear, several potential scenarios exist regarding the length and value of McCarthy’s new deal. It is likely that the Cowboys would offer McCarthy a multi-year extension that would keep him under contract through at least 2027. Given his success with the team, McCarthy may also push for increased financial compensation.

The inclusion of performance-based incentives could be a point of negotiation. These clauses might include bonuses for playoff appearances, Super Bowl berths, or regular-season success. Such incentives would protect the Cowboys in case of a dip in performance while rewarding McCarthy for delivering on expectations.

Additionally, McCarthy’s role in team personnel decisions may be more clearly defined. As the franchise shifts toward an even more modern, analytics-based approach to roster construction, McCarthy’s input could become even more valuable. If the Cowboys are willing to grant McCarthy greater control over the roster or a more significant voice in organizational decisions, this could play a central role in the negotiations.