MIKE McCarthy's future at the Dallas Cowboys seems to become more unclear as time runs out on his contract.
The head coach is out of a job in Dallas after this season as things stand.
And ESPN delivered an update on his status ahead of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys won four of their previous five games entering the clash with Philly.
They recovered from a 3-7 record to move to 7-8 for the year.
Dallas lost 41-7 to the NFC East champions in a one-sided contest.
But before the game, ESPN analyst and former quarterback Alex Smith made a bold statement.
"I think he saved his job," Smith said.
"I think he's deserving of it - who are you going to get that's better?
"This is a flawed roster like we've been talking about all year, their defence is abysmal.
"The reality is this is one of the few teams in the NFL that's actually improved as the season has gone on.
"I really think he's proven that he's a good coach and I think he needs to be in consideration.
"His contract is winding down, so this isn't a case of him being fired."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has remained tight-lipped on whether McCarthy would be offered a new deal but has floated the possibility.
"Does he get a new contract?" Smith said. "That's a little bit more complicated.
"But who are you going to get that's better?"
ESPN insider Adam Schefter also claimed the ball was partly in the coach's court.
"It goes both ways," Schefter said.
"Jerry Jones has got to decide if he wants to renew him.
"But Mike McCarthy can go and talk to whoever he wants about a head coaching job.
"He can go and listen to the New Orleans Saints or New York Jets, or any team that has an opening and wants to talk to him."
McCarthy has been Cowboys coach for four years having previously led the Green Bay Packers.
He won the Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback in 2010.
