Dak Prescott had publicly expressed his desire for Mike McCarthy to remain the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. However, that won’t be the case, as the team parted ways with McCarthy on Monday.
Dallas held discussions with McCarthy following the end of the season but couldn’t come to an agreement on moving forward. The Cowboys made the decision official with a statement from owner Jerry Jones.
“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done,” Jones said. “That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike’s qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being. I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.
“Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica, and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.”
Prescott reacted to the news via a text message to Clarence Hill of ALL DLLS.
“Bummed, because we built some things,” Prescott said to Hill. “But I guess they couldn’t reach an agreement. SMH.”
Dak Prescott ‘Wholeheartedly’ Believed in Mike McCarthy
Prescott is the Cowboys’ most important player after signing a record-setting four-year, $240 million extension. During the Cowboys’ disappointing 7-10 campaign, he publicly supported McCarthy.
“I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott told Jori Epstein of Yahoo! Sports in December. “I don’t want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it.”
Prescott played in only eight games this past season after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. During his absence, Cooper Rush started most of the games, while Trey Lance got the nod in the finale. Prescott is expected to return next season, but both Rush and Lance are free agents.
Cowboys Eyeing Deion Sanders as Mike McCarthy Replacement
The Cowboys have begun their search for a new head coach, with Colorado’s Deion Sanders emerging as an early favorite. Reports indicate there is mutual interest between Sanders and the team.
“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has spoken with Colorado HC Deion Sanders about the team’s head coaching vacancy, and discussions are expected to continue regarding the possibility of him becoming the next head coach in Dallas,” Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported on Monday. “Coach Prime is considered a top candidate, though the Cowboys plan to interview other candidates as part of the process, per team sources.”
Sanders, who played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999, was a key figure in their Super Bowl XXX victory and left a lasting legacy with the team.
