Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is facing increased scrutiny after the team’s humiliating 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, leading to speculation about his job security. With the Cowboys sitting at 3-3, the team has already endured two blowout defeats, including a 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
Although McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, a mid-season coaching change seems unlikely—especially with the Cowboys heading into their Week 7 bye. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempted to dispel any rumors of a coaching shake-up in his postgame comments.
Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie pointed out that McCarthy is on the hot seat as the team enters its bye week, with the Cowboys preparing to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. The 49ers have dominated the Cowboys in recent matchups, including playoffs, beating them by an average of 15 points per game.
“Given the grim outlook, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Cowboys make a drastic move to jump-start their season,” Xie wrote in an October 13, 2024 article. “With Dak Prescott secure in his role, McCarthy becomes a potential scapegoat.”
Could Bill Belichick Be the Cowboys’ Next Head Coach?
One name frequently mentioned as a possible replacement for McCarthy is former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who is currently analyzing games as a media pundit. NFL analyst Gary Myers wondered on social media whether Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would reach out to Belichick following the team’s latest defeat.
Former Fox Sports host Skip Bayless echoed the sentiment, citing last year’s playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers as further evidence that McCarthy should be dismissed.
“How does Mike McCarthy still have a job?” Bayless asked in an October 13 post. “We were the No. 2 seed last year, playing the youngest team in the league, and the Packers had us down 27-0 before halftime. Jerry, why haven’t you fired McCarthy yet?”
Jerry Jones on Firing McCarthy: ‘I’m Not Considering That’
McCarthy does have some points in his favor, including a Super Bowl win with the Packers in 2010 and leading the Cowboys to three straight 12-win seasons. Despite the Cowboys’ struggles this season, Jones dismissed any talk of firing McCarthy during the bye week.
“I haven’t even considered it,” Jones told reporters on October 13, according to WFAA’s Ed Werder. “I’m not considering that. So, to be clear, I’m not considering that.”
