Cowboys Receive Request From NFC Rival To Interview Mike McCarthy
01/06/2025 04:13 PM
Mike McCarthy finished his fifth season with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday with a last-second loss to the Washington Commanders.
After posting three consecutive 12-5 campaigns, McCarthy and the Cowboys slipped to 7-10 in 2024. It's their worst record since going 6-10 in 2020, McCarthy's first season with the franchise. As of right now, Dallas has not announced a decision on McCarthy one way or another for next year.
The longtime NFL head coach's contract expires on Jan. 14, giving the Cowboys some time to negotiate a new deal, should they so choose. The Chicago Bears have put an interesting wrinkle in those plans though.
The Bears, who were first linked to McCarthy last week, have put in an interview request for the Cowboys' leader, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer.
"Chicago Bears have sought permission to interview Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and are awaiting a response from Dallas, sources tell me and @toddarcher," Schefter wrote. "If the Cowboys don't allow permission this week, the Bears could interview McCarthy after his exclusive negotiating window with Dallas expires Jan. 14."
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Schefter added that as of this afternoon, Dallas has not responded to the interview request.
"It poses an interesting dilemma: allow your head coach to talk to another team or block him to keep him with your franchise," he said.
So now we have some added intrigue regarding McCarthy's status, and perhaps the Cowboys' announcement timeline has been expedited by the Bears' request.
Following Sunday's game, McCarthy told the media his preference would be to remain with Dallas and try to finish what he started.
"Absolutely. I have a lot invested here, and the Cowboys have a lot invested in me," McCarthy said, via the team's website. "And then there's a personal side to all these decisions. They all point the right direction. I think anytime you invest your time, energy, your belief, the connection you have, the relationships that are in place here, the understanding of what the organization can do and is willing to do. Those are all positive attributes that you take into account."
In addition to McCarthy, the Bears have reportedly requested head coaching interviews with six assistant coaches from around the league, and will also interview interim head coach Thomas Brown for the permanent position.
Related: Mike McCarthy Reveals His Preference For Coaching Future In NFL
