Dallas Cowboys head coach latest: Downbeat Dak ‘bummed’ by McCarthy’s departure

Jerry Jones' decision to dispense with Mike McCarthy has not gone down well with the franchise's biggest star

Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he is ‘bummed’ by news of Mike McCarthy’s exit .

Head coach McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas ended yesterday with owner Jerry Jones claiming that, following talks, they’d mutually agreed “it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction”.

And while the hunt is now on for a replacement, Prescott was left to rue the departure of someone he described as “a great coach and a hell of a man”.

In messages sent to and subsequently reported by Clarence Hill from Pro Football Talk, Prescott added: “Bummed, because we built some things. But I guess they couldn’t reach an agreement.”

Sanders in the frame?

Jones has acted quickly, already interviewing former Dallas cornerback Deion Sanders.

Sanders has impressed with the Colorado Buffaloes, guiding them to a 9-4 record in 2024 and has the profile that would fit Dallas.

However, the 57-year-old, known as Coach Prime, suggested he would be staying in college football for now.

He told ESPN: “To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing. I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body and the community.”

Despite the fact he is midway through a five-year, $29.5million contract, Sanders’ name has been regularly linked with the Cowboys, especially as McCarthy was compiling a 7-10 mark in what turned out to be his final season.

Speaking in November, Sanders said: “I’m happy where I am.

“I’ve got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? … That means I’m resting. I’m good, I’m happy, I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do.”

Jones could turn to Witten

Another former Cowboy has also been mentioned as a potential replacement for McCarthy: Jason Witten.

Witten is currently the head coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas but, despite his limited resume, is believed to be a serious candidate.

 

 

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Jon Fisher

Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

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