Mike McCarthy is not expected to return as the Dallas Cowboys‘ head coach and is now set to become a free agent, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys expired last Wednesday but the team held an exclusive negotiating window with the coach until Tuesday at midnight. However, the sides have not had any negotiations regarding a new deal, sources told Schefter on Monday.
The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints are expected to be interested in speaking with him regarding their vacancies, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Last week, the Bears had an official request for permission to speak with McCarthy denied by the Cowboys.
Last week, McCarthy and owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke at least three times. The initial discussions were about what happened in 2024, going through their normal end-of-season protocol. The other days were about the future and what could change, either in the Cowboys’ approach to roster building, McCarthy’s approach to offense and McCarthy’s approach to his coaching staff.
