“We’ll address all this after the Commanders game.” This is what the Cowboys EVP and Jerry Jones’ son, Stephen had to say when talking about HC Mike McCarthy’s future just before the new year. Having spoken glowingly in favor of McCarthy, this was perhaps an indication that he wanted the coach to end the season on a winning note and give them a reason to offer him an extension. However, a painful home defeat in the final game of the season dashed those hopes and once again brought McCarthy’s future under scrutiny.

The Dallas Cowboys’ frustrating season finally ended with another loss on Sunday. Thanks to a last-second Terry McLaurin TD, the Cowboys ended their season with a 7-10. This is after three consecutive seasons of 12-5 record that have allowed McCarthy some breathing space this season. Despite the team’s struggles, Jerry Jones has openly backed McCarthy, whose contract expires on January 14. However, no concrete offer has been made or reported to retain his services.

Following the defeat to the Commanders, Jerry Jones once again addressed speculation around McCarthy’s future. While he was far from definitive, he showed his support and admiration for the HC.

“Mike’s one of the best coaches that I think there is. He was made to coach here. He’s done absolutely nothing to diminish my opinion of him as a coach. I don’t know that I am considering making a change,” Jones said. McCarthy‘s 5-year deal with the Cowboys will expire on January 14 and as such a decision on his future will have to be taken quickly, with other teams queuing up for him. In fact, one franchise has already made an approach.

On Tuesday, McCarthy and Jones sat down to talk about the future, later in the day, the Bears approached the Cowboys for permission to talk to McCarthy about their vacant head coach position. Jerry Jones, however, turned down their request. But he won’t be in the position to do this once McCarthy’s contract expires. Teams will be able to directly talk to McCarthy and he can weigh up his options.

For now, he has also expressed his desire to stay in Dallas. Asked if his first preference was to return as the Cowboys head coach, McCarthy answered, “Absolutely. I have a lot invested here, and the Cowboys have a lot invested in me,” he said. “Anytime you invest your time, energy, your belief, the connection you have and the relationships that are in place here, and the understanding of what the organization can do and is willing to do, those are all positive attributes that you take into account.”

McCarthy is 49-35 with the Cowboys and has a 174-112-2 overall record in 18 seasons as an NFL coach. He ironically made history at the AT&T Stadium 14 years ago, when he won the Super Bowl with the Packers, where he spent his first 13 seasons as a coach. While this season didn’t turn out as expected, it was not all on McCarthy’s shoulders.

Injuries hampered their progress and a lack of significant investment apart from big contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb didn’t help either. The Cowboys finished with Prescott, perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and rushing defender DeMarcus Lawrence all on injured reserve. Moreover, the Cowboys were 13th in terms of spending the most cash on players in 2024, suggesting that Jones did little to bolster his side into making them a viable contender for the playoffs.

Jerry Jones knows and understands this. He made that much clear after their final game of the season. Despite promising to go “all-in” for 2024, Jones held back when it came to providing the tools needed for success. That is why, despite the Cowboys’ downward spiral, he has continued to back McCarthy,  saying that he regretted making previous coaching changes. His latest comments once again highlight that he holds McCarthy in high regard, but he also made it clear that he is willing to work with those who want to stay.

On Sunday, when asked whether he would allow McCarthy to talk to other teams if he made the request, Jones said, “Then I would say go talk. I really would. It’s not healthy to have someone around who wants to be someplace else.”

There is also the question of who will replace McCarthy if the Cowboys decide to part ways with him. Deion Sanders has been linked, but he seems to be content in Boulder, having made significant progress this season. Doug Pederson, fired by the Jaguars is another name that might interest Jones, but will he really be an improvement over McCarthy, having led the Jaguars to an abysmal 4-13 record?

While McCarthy’s fate hangs in the balance, Jerry Jones has come clear on his future as the general manager of the franchise after assuming ownership back in 1989.

Dallas: Jerry Jones isn’t going anywhere

Given the lack of investment, fans have been regularly urging Jerry Jones to retire or sell the club to other prospective buyers, the Cowboys GM isn’t going anywhere. Speaking to the reporters after the Cowboys’ 10th loss of the season, Jones made it clear that he won’t be relinquishing GM duties.

“No. Just, no. [When] I bought the team, I think the first thing to come out of my mouth . . . somebody asked, ‘Did you buy this for your kids?’ I said, ‘Hell no. I bought it for me.’ And I didn’t buy an investment. I bought an occupation, and I bought something I was going to do. I was 46 [years old]. I bought something I was going to do for the rest of my life. That’s what I’m doing. So, no,” Jones said.

So there you go Dallas. Be prepared to watch Jerry Jones again calling shots in his 36th season in charge. Whether this would be a good or bad thing, only time will tell. For now, it is the decision over the head coach position, that will dominate the Cowboys circles in the coming days.