ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there’s a belief that Mike McCarthy “has a small chance to stay” with the Cowboys next season.
According to Fowler, part of this belief stems from what those in the industry consider to be “a weak candidate pool.” Despite the Cowboys’ shortcomings this season, the team has fought its way to a 7-9 season and has a chance to pick up one more win with a victory over the Commanders in Week 18. Under backup quarterback Cooper Rush the Cowboys are 4-4 with notable wins over the Commanders and Buccaneers. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the team’s Week 16 win over the Buccaneers that he is “real, real proud” of the way the team has played for McCarthy amidst a lost season. McCarthy is on the final year of his contract, meaning his return would come with a new deal. It’s unlikely the Cowboys would rush to a decision on the long-time head coach, but we’ll see just how quickly things move when their season concludes on Sunday.