Dallas Cowboys HC McCarthy Safe Regardless of Wildcard Game Outcome

The Dallas Cowboys' top job may be one the most coveted coaching opportunities in the NFL, but it may be less available than people think. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, current head coach Mike McCarthy's job is safe, regardless of the outcome of Monday's Wildcard matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From @NFLGameDay: With an eye toward Monday night, #Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was clear about Mike McCarthy's job status, while #Bucs QB Tom Brady will be one of the most interesting free agents in 2023. pic.twitter.com/MuPsUiey91
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2023

The Cowboys have found success over the past two years under McCarthy, winning 12 games and finishing in the top five for points scored in consecutive years despite five missed games from franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. Still, standards are high for the sport's most glamourous head coaching gig. McCarthy has yet to win a postseason contest with the team, and tantalizing top coaching prospects like Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh are out there waiting for the right opportunity.

Speculation that McCarthy's job is in jeopardy has likely always been premature. He's the first head coach to lead the Cowboys to consecutive playoff appearances since Chan Gailey in 1998 and 1999, and the consistent quality of his offenses is a recipe for sustained success in the NFL. As either an offensive coordinator or a head coach, McCarthy has coached four different quarterbacks to top-five scoring offenses: first with Aaron Brooks on the New Orleans Saints, then with Bret Favre and Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, and now with Prescott and the Cowboys.