NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Praises Coaching Staff

The Dallas Cowboys might be preparing to give their head coach another shot. Speaking to the media following Sunday Night Football's shocking 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was effusive in his praise of his coaching staff, going so far as to say he was "proud."

Jerry Jones on Mike McCarthy and effort of Cowboys players: “Those guys came out and played as though they were fighting in the championship game to go to the Super Bowl. So, I can't tell you how proud I am of them and the coaching staff. It really shows me something.” pic.twitter.com/kkHE45lzcU
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 23, 2024

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is in the final year of his contract and has been the subject of firing rumors dating back to late last season. The Cowboys currently find themselves trying to make the most of a lost season: They've won four of five after a 3-7 start, but early-season injuries have left them largely out of the playoff hunt.

McCarthy has been a popular punching bag among fans, but his resume is difficult to argue with: Across 18 seasons and two different franchises, he has amassed a 174-110-2 record and even won a Super Bowl in 2010 with the Green Bay Packers. He's also easily one of the most accomplished offensive minds in football, having served as head coach or offensive coordinator for 11 offenses that achieved top-five finishes in points scored, including three times with the Cowboys.

Still, football is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately sport, and McCarthy's recent postseason achievements have left much to be desired. The Cowboys have only had one playoff win since McCarthy joined the organization in 2020, and fans are clearly losing patience.

The Cowboys have a tough decision ahead of them. This offseason, they'll have to either extend McCarthy or allow him to hit coaching free agency. If they do decide to bring him back in 2025, no head coach will face greater scrutiny. If they let him go, they'll risk him succeeding elsewhere.