Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

Mike McCarthy Shows True Character With Comment On The Cowboys

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 3:23 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys surprised plenty of fans last offseason when they announced Mike McCarthy wouldn't return for the 2025 season.

McCarthy led the Cowboys from 2020-2024, owning a 49-35 record. He took the franchise to the playoffs three straight seasons but was unable to reach the NFC Championship. During the 2024 season, "America's Team" went 7-10 under his command. To be fair, Dak Prescott missed nine games due to a hamstring injury.

After failing to reach the playoffs in 2024, McCarthy and the Cowboys agreed to part ways. That opened the door for Brian Schottenheimer to become the team's next head coach.

"I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure. Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover. Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."

During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" this Thursday, McCarthy made it clear that he doesn't have any negative feelings about the Cowboys despite how things ended.

"I think that carrying wasted negative energy is not something I really want to engage in at this point of my life," McCarthy said, via On3. "I’m very thankful for my 30-plus years in this league. Going back to the Kansas City Chiefs, Marty Schottenheimer, Pat Schottenheimer for that opportunity. New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and obviously the Dallas Cowboys."

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 14: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys watches action during the first half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

Could McCarthy return to the NFC East?

There's no guarantee McCarthy will be coaching an NFL team in 2026. If he does though, he might end up on the New York Giants.

Shortly after the Giants fired Brian Daboll, legendary running back Tiki Barber mentioned McCarthy as a viable option for the team.

“As much as I would love to go with the young whippersnapper who is going to be an offensive genius [route], I think they need someone who has done it before,” Barber said. “The obvious answer is Mike McCarthy.”

If McCarthy gets the job in New York, he'd get to face Dallas twice each year. That might be a strong selling point. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Jaxson Dart is a promising young quarterback.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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