Mike McCarthy: Dallas Cowboys part ways with head coach after missing out on NFL playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy following five seasons together.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that McCarthy is out as head coach after the two sides were unable to agree on the length of a prospective new contract.

Dallas missed out on the NFL playoffs this season after finishing the year 7-10 and third in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.

McCarthy, who is set to become a free agent when his contract expires, departs with a combined record of 49-35 in the regular season having reached the postseason in three of five campaigns, going as far as the Divisional Round in 2022 as the Cowboys were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers.

"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a statement.

"That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being.

"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. 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.

"I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here."

The Cowboys' season was marred by a year-ending injury to quarterback Dak Prescott, who missed nine games after being forced to undergo hamstring surgery in his first campaign since signing a four-year $240m contract extension in the offseason. Cooper Rush filled in under center in his absence, going 4-4 as the starter.

Dallas and McCarthy had entered the season under heightened pressure after last season's upset defeat to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Their hopes of pursuing a long-awaited return to the Super Bowl were dealt further blows as they saw star edge rusher Micah Parsons miss time, as well as losing right guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to injury.

McCarthy led the Cowboys to three straight seasons of 12-5 and two NFC East division titles from 2021-2023, during which time Prescott spearheaded one of the NFL's most potent offenses while Dan Quinn built a successful defense on his way towards earning another head coaching opportunity with the Commanders.

The 2021 campaign ended in a 23-17 loss to the 49ers in the Wild Card round, before Kyle Shanahan's side eliminated Dallas with a 19-12 victory in the Divisional Round the following season.

The Chicago Bears recently had a request to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coach job rejected by the Cowboys amid contract negotiations, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the New Orleans Saints could also be interested in their search for a Dennis Allen successor.

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