NFL News: Mike McCarthy, Cowboys Reportedly Set to Start Contract Talks amid Rumors

Jerry Jones still hasn't made a definitive decision about Mike McCarthy's future with the Dallas Cowboys, but he could be moving closer to keeping him as head coach in 2025.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, both sides remain open to staying together and they will have talks on Friday about a new contract for McCarthy.

Pelissero added Jones has to figure things out sooner than later because, in addition to McCarthy's contract expiring on Tuesday, all of his assistants will be free to take jobs with other teams that same day.

If the Cowboys aren't going to bring McCarthy back, they're doing a good job of making it difficult for him to get considered for another job this offseason.

The Chicago Bears sought permission to interview McCarthy for their vacant head-coaching position, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday their request was denied by the Cowboys.

Per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, McCarthy and Jones have maintained a "strong relationship" built over the course of their five seasons working together.

"Denying Chicago's request isn't a guarantee that McCarthy will return, but it's an indication that both men are continuing the discussion to see if that can happen," Moore wrote.

Another problem with waiting if the two sides are going to move on is the Cowboys are putting themselves behind the eight ball to interview replacements.

League rules prevent teams from holding in-person interviews with candidates until after the divisional round of the playoffs, but they are allowed to meet with candidates virtually right now.

Jones has said on multiple occasions that he's been very happy with the job McCarthy has done.

"I feel good about Mike McCarthy," Jones told Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan on Dec. 31. "The main thing is that I like the job that he's done. We've had the year that we've had, but I feel good about Mike."

The Cowboys finished an injury-plagued 2024 season with a 7-10 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They did have a streak late in the season after Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury with four wins in five games, including victories over the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCarthy is 49-35 in five seasons as Cowboys head coach. The Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles and Bucs are the only NFC teams with more regular-season wins since 2020.