Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with team owner Jerry Jones as the franchise heads into a critical season.
The tension between McCarthy and Jones has been brewing, particularly after the Cowboys’ disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.
Despite the speculation surrounding McCarthy’s job security and the availability of high-profile coaches like Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh, and Bill Belichick, Jones confirmed that McCarthy would remain in charge for the upcoming season. However, McCarthy, a Super Bowl XLV champion with the Packers, enters 2024 without a contract extension.
Jones has noted that coaching in the final year of a contract poses unique challenges, referencing former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett’s similar situation.
McCarthy’s frustration stems from Jones’ well-known habit of meddling in team affairs. Despite Jones’ declaration that the Cowboys were “all in” for the offseason, unresolved contract issues, particularly quarterback Dak Prescott’s, have clouded the team’s preparations. A former Cowboys staff member revealed to Go Long that McCarthy is becoming increasingly “fed up” with Jones’ interference.
The uncertainty also extends to Prescott, who, like McCarthy, is in the final year of his contract. Some within the organization feel sympathetic towards Prescott, viewing him as a quarterback capable of leading the team to a Super Bowl but hindered by the franchise’s internal issues.
Under McCarthy’s leadership, the Cowboys have posted an impressive regular-season record, achieving 42 wins and 25 losses, a 62.7% win rate—the highest in team history. However, playoff success has been elusive, with McCarthy’s Cowboys recording just one win against three losses in the postseason. The regular-season achievements, including three consecutive seasons with at least 12 victories, have not translated into playoff glory, raising questions about the team’s future.
This season, the Cowboys face additional challenges with key player departures, such as Tony Pollard to the Titans and Tyler Biadasz to the Commanders. The pressure is mounting as both McCarthy and Prescott head into a potentially pivotal season without long-term security, and reports suggest that current players are more concerned about Jones’ involvement than McCarthy’s coaching.
As the Cowboys strive for their first Super Bowl title since 1995, the internal dynamics between McCarthy and Jones could significantly impact their journey. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season.
