Getty Image
The Dallas Cowboys had an embarrassing end to what had been, otherwise, as a successful 2023 NFL season.
In what’s become commonplace for Cowboys fans, the team had a strong regular season before going crashing out in the opening round of the NFL players.
Now it appears the organization has not only lost the belief of its fans, but also at least one of its most legendary players.
A clearly frustrated Emmitt Smith unloads on Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Smith says he would have fired McCarthy.
"That's a move I thought would have been made."#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/jN3xOWUyrU
— Maggie and Perloff (@MaggieandPerl) February 8, 2024
Andrew Perloff and Maggie Gray of CBS Sports Radio asked Smith why the Cowboys didn’t move on from head coach Mike McCarthy despite a familiar end to the season.
Smith’s answer was more than a little bit telling.
“Because I’m not the GM,” Smith said, seemingly taking a shot at general manager Stephen Jones, who is the son of owner Jerry Jones.
“…To be honest with you, I thought that that move would have been made,” he continued. “Because of how bad it looked. I think our team and organization right now give the appearance of becoming a great organization and being a great team.
“And they sell everybody on it every year. And selling people on it and getting the ratings around it is something that’s important. But I think there are things that are much more important than all of the hype.”
Stephen Jones Has Kept The Faith In Mike McCarthy
McCarthy is 42-25 in his four seasons in Dallas, including three straight 12-win seasons. But he’s just 1-3 in four playoff games and fans have lost all confidence in him.
The veteran head coach hasn’t lost faith yet, however.
“I came to Dallas to win a world championship and that’s why I’m standing here,” McCarthy said following the season. “Buy into us.”
That may be easier said than done. Especially now that a figure as large as Smith has come out vocally against him.
For now, both Jerry and Stephen Jones have opted to stick with the embattled head coach. Even if it means entering the 2024 season on the final year of his contract.