Cowboys' Jerry Jones: McCarthy Has Done Nothing to Diminish My Opinion of Him as HC

As Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy's job status remains uncertain, owner Jerry Jones continues to place his trust in McCarthy, whose contract expires on Wednesday.

"Mike's one of the best coaches that I think there is," Jones told reporters after the Cowboys 23-19 loss to Washington. "He was made the coach here because I thought that, and he's done absolutely nothing to diminish my opinion of him as a coach."

Following the team's 10th loss of the season, which contributed to their fourth losing season in the past 20 years, Jones addressed the media for more than 40 minutes, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Although he spoke highly of the fifth-year coach, Jones did not commit to McCarthy for the 2025 season.

"I don't know that I am considering making a change is really what I'm trying to say," Jones said, per Archer.

The 61-year-old coach, with 18 years of NFL head coaching experience, posted a 49-35 regular season record since taking over in 2020. He is 1-3 in the playoffs, failing to advance past the divisional round and has helped in extending the Cowboys' Super Bowl drought to 29 straight seasons.

Amid the uncertainty, McCarthy has been rumored as a favorite for the New Orleans Saints head coaching position, despite his statements expressing a desire to remain in Dallas.

"I have a lot invested here. And the Cowboys have a lot invested in me," McCarthy told reporters. "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."

No timeline has been provided for Jones' decision, as the Cowboys hold exclusive negotiating rights with McCarthy through Jan. 14. However, it appears Jones would grant McCarthy permission to speak with other teams if requests are made, per Archer.