Jets Rumors: Mike McCarthy Hasn't Gotten Interview Request amid Cowboys Contract Buzz

While veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets remains unclear, it sounds like the team won't be bringing in one of his former coaches this offseason.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday that the Jets have not requested to speak with Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024 season. McCarthy and Rodgers spent 13 years together when McCarthy was head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018.

Even if the Jets had requested to speak with McCarthy, it appears that they wouldn't have had the opportunity to do so anyway. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys denied a request from the Chicago Bears to interview him as part of their head coaching search.

While McCarthy's contract officially expired on Wednesday, Dallas still holds exclusive negotiating rights through Jan. 14. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, McCarthy would be free to pursue any job opening he pleases during this offseason's hiring cycle.

The 2024 season didn't turn out the way the Cowboys had hoped, as they finished with a 7-10 record and failed to make the playoffs. Dallas had a tough start to the season before losing star quarterback Dak Prescott to season-ending hamstring surgery after eight games.

Still, McCarthy made it clear that his preference would be to continue on with the Cowboys, telling reporters after the regular-season finale on Sunday that he "absolutely" wants to return in 2025.

"I have a lot of confidence in myself as a head coach. ... I'm definitely in position with Jerry [Jones] to move the program forward. There's no question about that in mind," McCarthy said.

Despite not pursuing McCarthy, the Jets are not short on options in their search for a new head coach. New York has already begun holding interviews and has put in an extensive list of interview requests since Monday.