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Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys officially parted ways earlier this week after the two sides failed to agree to a new contract. According to reports, Jerry Jones’ succession plans may have been a factor in the failure to reach an agreement.
According to a report from NFL insider Jane Slater, Jerry Jones — who she says has gone on a ‘solo mission’ to hire the team’s next head coach — pitched Mike McCarthy on having former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten installed as the team’s head coach in-waiting under McCarthy.
As Slater puts it, it was that suggestion that ultimately halted the discussions between the two sides.
“It’s my understanding that Jerry has talked to Jason (Witten) in recent weeks and I do believe he was part of the plan Jerry initially had when he was going to bring back Mike McCarthy,” Slater reported during a hit on NFL Network.
“I think the plan there was to make him a heir apparent of sorts. Mike McCarthy sort of surprised him when he decided he wanted to end these conversations.”
A lot to unpack here. Been on the phone non stop here is what I’ve gathered from Deion to Witt to Kellen. Jerry is currently on a solo mission. No official interviews or calls even placed to some. Here is what I have gathered for you. #CowboysHCSearch pic.twitter.com/9OzVVwy7Cz
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 15, 2025
Slater also detailed the reported interest that Jones has in University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, with the two sides reportedly discussing the open gig earlier this week.
“I think the interest from Jerry is absolutely real. I guess the question is, does Deion want to come here? The reason why I ask that is talking to a lot of people who are close to that program … is the autonomy Deion enjoys there. Not to mention the staff. He has a very large staff there and as one person put to me today, ‘Is Jerry going to allow him to bring in all of those?’ Mike McCarthy was asked to reduce his staff and Jerry is not really high on paying his coaches here.”
In his five seasons as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy posted a record of 49-35, led the team to three playoff appearances, two NFC East division titles, and one playoff win.
The next head coach that Jones hires will be the head coach of the iconic organization since he took ownership of the team in 1989, following Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, and Mike McCarthy.