Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has spoken out for the first time since head coach Mike McCarthy's 'mutual' decision to leave the NFL franchise.
It was reported Monday that McCarthy would be leaving his position in Dallas after failing to agree to a new contract with the team.
Jones, who also serves as the Cowboys' general manager, broke his silence Monday afternoon and said it had become clear the Cowboys needed to go in a different direction.
“Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last few weeks, I have been very complimentary of the work he has done,” Jones began in a statement.
'That has applied to our record over that period, to our team unity and culture, to Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a great human being. “I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through unique and challenging times during his tenure.”
Jones, 82, had consistently been defensive of McCarth's performance at the helm in Dallas, despite failing to reach the NFC Championship game during his five seasons in charge.
Jerry Jones has spoken for the first time since the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy
It was announced Monday that McCarthy would be leaving his position as head coach.
Just a few days ago it was said that both sides were looking to the future and “remaining open” to working together.
However, Jones has now claimed that after in-depth conversations about the future of the franchise, both he and McCarthy decided to part ways.
“Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of last season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the path forward for the team,” his statement continued. .
'These discussions were thorough and given the appropriate amount of time and depth to cover them. However, before we got to the point of contract negotiations, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to go in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and his family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.
“We will immediately begin a search process to hire the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
McCarthy's contract is set to expire Tuesday after Jones was reluctant to commit to him for the 2025 season after the team went 7-10 and missed the playoffs.
The coach went 49-35 in five seasons with Dallas and never reached the NFC Championship game in that span.
However, he was hampered by injuries to star quarterback Dak Prescott for long stretches in two separate seasons, as the quarterback played in just eight games this year after suffering a hamstring injury that ended his career. season.
McCarthy was hampered at times by injuries to his star quarterback Dak Prescott (left)
McCarthy, who previously led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory, led the Cowboys to a 12-5 record last year (before his team was defeated 48-32 at home in the wild-card round by Green Bay).
Dallas had previously rejected the Chicago Bears' request to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coaching position, and he is now expected to speak with them in the coming days.
The New Orleans Saints are also likely interested in McCarthy, with him tipped to return as head coach in 2025.
The Cowboys join five other teams (the Bears, Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets) in searching for a new head coach this offseason after the New England Patriots filled their vacancy with Mike Vrabel over the weekend.