Mike McCarthy will not return as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, marking the end of a five-year tenure with the team, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The decision comes after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on the length of McCarthy's contract, prompting him to seek other opportunities. McCarthy leaves Dallas with a winning record, having led the team to three playoff appearances during his tenure.

Under McCarthy's leadership, the Cowboys achieved a 49-35 record from 2020 to 2024, qualifying for the playoffs each year from 2021 to 2023. The Cowboys won the NFC East in 2021 and 2023 and recorded 12 wins in each of those three seasons, marking the franchise's most successful three-year regular-season stretch since 1993-1995. However, playoff achievements were elusive, with McCarthy's teams suffering notable defeats against the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers at home during the NFC Wild Card Round in 2021 and 2023 respectively. In these matches, the Cowboys' offensive performance faltered significantly, leading to painful exits from the postseason.

As the 2024 season commenced, McCarthy entered the last year of a five-year contract signed prior to the 2020 campaign. The need for him to demonstrate the ability to earn an extension was evident. The Cowboys began the season with a 3-2 record before enduring a challenging five-game losing streak. Key player Dak Prescott sustained a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9, further complicating the team's aspirations. Defensive struggles under first-year coordinator Mike Zimmer were pronounced, resulting in significant losses to teams like the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys did manage to rebound, notching a vital victory over the Washington Commanders, but consistent performance eluded them, ultimately falling short of playoff contention. Following the season, uncertainty surrounded McCarthy's future, especially as inquiries arose from teams like the Chicago Bears regarding their coaching vacancy. Despite this, the Cowboys have yet again found themselves at a crossroads, hoping to find a solution that can break the franchise's long-standing drought in reaching the Super Bowl.