NFL News: Cowboys Reportedly Deny Bears Request to Interview Mike McCarthy for HC Job

The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly denied the Chicago Bears' request to interview head coach Mike McCarthy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter previously reported the request had gone unanswered by midday Tuesday after the Bears initially asked for permission on Monday.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Sunday he had not yet made a decision regarding the head coach's future and would be fine with other teams interviewing McCarthy, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.

The 61-year-old's contract is set to expire next Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

The Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons this winter after losing Dak Prescott to a midseason hamstring injury.

Dallas has made the playoffs in three of McCarthy's five seasons of the helm, and finished his two losing campaigns without Prescott, although the team has just one postseason win during that span.

McCarthy said after the Cowboys' season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday that he "absolutely" wanted to return for another year with the franchise.

"I have a lot invested here. And the Cowboys have a lot invested in me," he said, per Reuters.

If the Cowboys ultimately decide to move from McCarthy, preventing him from speaking with other teams in the early stages of the offseason coaching carousel could damage his shot at campaigning for jobs before clubs hire other candidates.

The Bears are reportedly pursuing McCarthy alongside other candidates including Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Should the Bears need to move early to snag a candidate in high demand like Vrabel, who is reportedly also a top target for the New England Patriots, the team could be pushed to make a decision before McCarthy becomes available.

There's also a chance the Cowboys are focused on hashing out the terms of McCarthy's next contract. Jones repeatedly expressed confidence in his fifth-year head coach throughout the season despite the team's struggles without Prescott.

If Dallas doesn't provide McCarthy with an answer by next week, Jones will risk the head coach hitting the open market and potentially commanding interest from several teams seeking new leaders this offseason.

It would also give Chicago another chance at the veteran coach, if the team is willing to wait.