Former Dallas Cowboys Coach Reveals He Is Preparing To Return To The Sidelines In 2026

For the first time since the 1980s, Mike McCarthy is spending a football season away from the sidelines. After his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys came to an end in January, the Super Bowl-winning coach has stepped back from the relentless grind of the NFL. But this hiatus is not a retirement; it’s a strategic retreat. In his first interview since parting ways with the Cowboys, McCarthy has made his intentions clear, signaling a calculated plan for his next chapter in the league.

Former Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy On His Schedule

A coach’s life is dictated by a demanding, all-consuming schedule. For McCarthy, stepping away has not meant abandoning that structure, but rather repurposing it. Speaking with D Magazine, he revealed a daily routine that mirrors his time as a head coach, but with a new focus. He still rises at 5:30 a.m. and maintains a disciplined regimen of workouts, film study, and conversations with football contacts. However, the time slots once filled with team meetings and practice planning are now dedicated to family and friends.

“I go to bed tired every night,’’ McCarthy said. “I try to keep a similar regimen to what I always lived as a coach, but the time sequences are now filled with family and friends.’’ This structured approach demonstrates that McCarthy is not simply relaxing; he is actively staying engaged with the game and maintaining the personal discipline required to lead an NFL team. He is treating this year off as a sabbatical—a period of personal and professional renewal, not a step toward retirement.

His decision to remain in Dallas is rooted in family, specifically his daughter Izzy’s commitment to a national championship-winning youth volleyball team. This commitment to family stability influenced his choice not to immediately jump into another coaching role for the 2025 season. But as he watches the current season unfold, his eye is firmly fixed on the future.

The Definitive Statement: “Preparing to Coach in 2026”

The most significant takeaway from McCarthy’s interview was his direct and unambiguous statement about his career plans. When asked about his future, he left no room for interpretation.

“I’m preparing to coach again in 2026,’’ McCarthy told David Moore of D Magazine.

This isn’t the vague “I’ll see what’s out there” response often heard from coaches on a break. This is a declaration of intent. By targeting the 2026 season, McCarthy is signaling several key things to the league:

1. He is recharged and motivated: A year away from the pressure cooker of the NFL can provide invaluable perspective. McCarthy is using this time to recharge his batteries and analyze the game from a different vantage point, which could make him a more effective leader upon his return.
2. He is strategically waiting for the right opportunity: Rather than taking the first available job, McCarthy is affording himself the time to be selective. The 2026 hiring cycle will present a new landscape of openings, and he will be able to evaluate which situation—considering the roster, front office alignment, and quarterback situation—best fits his vision.
3. He is still a student of the game: His continued film study is not just a habit; it’s preparation. He is staying current with offensive and defensive trends, analyzing team schemes, and evaluating player personnel across the league. When he steps into an interview in 2026, he will be prepared to discuss the state of the modern NFL with deep, current knowledge.

Watching the Game with a Coach’s Eye

Even as he enjoys his time off, McCarthy remains deeply connected to the game. He confirmed he keeps up with the league every Sunday, watching not as a casual fan but with the analytical mind of a coach.

“As a coach, you’re always analyzing it,’’ he explained. “That’s how we’re wired for viewing football. It’s the way we’re trained. I’ll be watching individuals.” This continuous analysis ensures he doesn’t fall behind the league’s rapid evolution.

He also expressed his enduring affection for the players and coaches he worked with in Dallas, a team he led for five seasons. “I have a lot of love for the players and coaches still there,” McCarthy said. “I just believe the Cowboys are going to continue to get better.’’ This professional and respectful tone maintains his positive relationships within the league, an important factor for any coach seeking future employment.

What Opportunities Await in 2026?

As the 2025 season progresses, the annual “Black Monday”—the day after the regular season ends when many coaching changes occur—will begin to shape the landscape for 2026. Teams with underperforming records, new general managers, or expiring contracts at the head coach position will become potential landing spots.

Mike McCarthy’s resume makes him an attractive candidate for a variety of situations:

• A Team with a Young Quarterback: With a history of developing Aaron Rodgers and working with Dak Prescott, McCarthy has proven experience mentoring quarterbacks. A team with a young, talented signal-caller in need of a veteran, Super Bowl-winning coach could be an ideal fit.
• A “Win-Now” Team in Need of Stability: A roster filled with veteran talent that has underachieved might look to McCarthy to provide the structure and leadership needed to get over the hump. His experience managing locker rooms and navigating the pressures of a Super Bowl run is a valuable commodity.
• An Offensive Rebuild: As an offensive-minded coach, McCarthy could be hired to overhaul a team’s offensive scheme and identity.

His successful tenures with two of the league’s most high-profile franchises, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, combined with a Super Bowl ring, give him a level of credibility that few available coaches possess.

Conclusion

Mike McCarthy’s time away from football is clearly a calculated pause, not a full stop. His commitment to a coach’s routine and his clear statement about preparing to coach in 2026 have put the entire league on notice. He is using this year to refresh, study, and strategically position himself for the right opportunity.

While he enjoys a well-deserved season focused on family, his mind remains on the gridiron. When the 2026 NFL coaching carousel begins to spin, expect Mike McCarthy’s name to be at the forefront of the conversation. He isn’t just hoping for another chance; he’s actively preparing for it.