FRISCO — Little is known about the exact future of Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Given that his team refused to extend him at the end of the 2023 season, he went into 2024 on an expiring deal.
That means McCarthy is guaranteed one more game with The Star before the offseason questions come about.
Two months ago, the odds looked to be against McCarthy when the Cowboys started a season of lofty expectations with a 3-5 record. But injuries to stars Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons muddled his evaluation process.
Going further, he has impressed down the stretch, inspiring the Cowboys to band together and win four of their last six games. In those games, it seemed apparent that his players had an affinity for their head coach.
Nonetheless, the question of him retaining his job will become the defining question of the Cowboys' offseason. But could he turn elsewhere if his current team decides to move on?
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he believes that is a possibility. In a piece discussing the latest Week 18 and coaching cycle buzz, Fowler mentioned the Chicago Bears as a team that McCarthy could be drawn to.
"I've talked to multiple people who believe McCarthy -- should he leave Dallas -- could set his sights on Chicago. He would give the Bears much-needed experience and offensive acumen."
Folwer - who has a habit of teasing rumors as news - did mention that the Cowboys intend to speak with McCarthy and fully evaluate their situation before making any decision. However, if they do in fact choose to move on, what about the Bears' job should excite the veteran head coach?
The immediate answer would be Caleb Williams. McCarthy has worked with some of the game's best quarterbacks and they could see him as the right fit to help their young player transcend to the next level.
Under less pressure for immediate results, that could be a good spot for McCarthy. But the better position remains in Dallas.
With some flaws to be worked out on their roster, the Cowboys' core remains among the best in the league. Unless he is not asked to return, McCarthy would be better suited continuing to build a contender with Dallas.
McCarthy's fate will be determined in the coming weeks and the speculation will finally be put to rest one way or the other. But if the Cowboys choose to look for another coach, McCarthy may not need to wait too long before finding his next home.
